Republic of Taiwan (1895) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Republic of Formosa
台灣民主國
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| 1895–1896 | |||||||||
 Flag
 Seal of the Republic
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Territory of the Republic of Formosa in 1896, before the Japanese invasion
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| Status | Unrecognized state | ||||||||
| Capital | Taipei (1895)
Tainan (January 1896 - August 1896) Taichung (August 1896 - October 1896) |
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| Common languages | Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, Formosan languages | ||||||||
| Government | Republic | ||||||||
| President | |||||||||
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• May 1895 - June 1895
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Tang Ching-sung | ||||||||
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• June 1895 - Oct. 1896
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Liu Yung-fu (de facto) | ||||||||
| Historical era | New Imperialism | ||||||||
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• Declared
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May 24 1895 | ||||||||
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• Conquered
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October 23 1896 | ||||||||
| Population | |||||||||
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• 1895
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2,980,000 | ||||||||
| Currency | Qing Tael | ||||||||
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The Republic of Taiwan was a very short-lived republic on the island of Taiwan. It was also known as the Formosan Republic or the Republic of Formosa. In Chinese, its name was simplified Chinese: 台湾民主国; traditional Chinese: 臺灣民主國; pinyin: Táiwān Mínzhǔguó, which means "Democratic State of Taiwan."
This republic was formed in 1895 and lasted only a few months. It came about after the Treaty of Shimonoseki. This treaty ended a war between the Qing Dynasty of China and the Empire of Japan. As a result, Taiwan was given to Japan. The Republic of Taiwan started when Chinese officials left in May 1895. It ended when Japanese soldiers arrived in October 1896. Some historians believe it was the first republic in Asia. However, the Lanfang Republic was actually formed earlier, in 1777.
Contents
Why the Republic of Taiwan Was Formed
The Republic of Taiwan was created by a group of important officials and local people. They still supported the Qing Dynasty. Their main goal was to prevent Japan from taking control of Taiwan. They wanted to keep Taiwan from becoming a Japanese territory.
Declaring Independence in 1895
On May 24, 1895, the new republic sent a copy of its declaration of independence to all the embassies on Taiwan. The very next day, the new government held a special ceremony to mark its independence. The Republic of Taiwan even made its own stamps and printed its own paper money. These old banknotes are now very rare and hard to find.
Loyalty to the Qing Dynasty
Even though they declared independence, the leaders of the Republic of Taiwan remained loyal to the Qing Dynasty. They stated that the Republic would still be a part of the Qing state. This shows they wanted to keep their connection to China.
Leaders of the Republic
The Republic of Taiwan had two main leaders during its short existence.
- The first president was Tang Ching-sung. He had been the old governor of Taiwan. He served from May 25, 1895, until June 5, 1895.
- The second president was Liu Yung-fu. He took over on June 5, 1895, and led the republic until October 21, 1896.
The End of the Republic
When Japanese soldiers began to invade Taiwan, there was a lot of fighting. The Japanese forces were very strong and quickly defeated the new republic. Most of the republic's officials and leaders quickly left the island. This marked the end of the Republic of Taiwan.
Modern Taiwan Independence Movements
Today, some groups in Taiwan want to start a new Republic of Taiwan. They want Taiwan to be completely independent from China. These modern groups say they have no connection to the 1895 Republic. The first Republic of Taiwan was loyal to China, but the new Republic of Taiwan would be created to be fully independent.
Images for kids
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Postage stamp issued by the Republic of Formosa
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National Flag of the 1895 Republic of Formosa exhibited in the National Taiwan Museum
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Japanese troops enter Taipei, 11 June 1895
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See also
In Spanish: República de Taiwán (1895) para niños
