Republic of Taiwan (1895)

:"This historical republic should not be confused with the proposed nation-state, "Republic of Taiwan."Infobox Former Country
native_name = 台灣民主國
conventional_long_name = Republic of Formosa
common_name = Taiwan/Formosa
status = unrecognized
continent = moved from Category:Asia to East Asia
region = East Asia
country = Taiwan
era = New Imperialism
event_start = Declared
date_start = May 24
year_start = 1895
event_end = Conquered
date_end = October 23
year_end = 1895
p1 = Taiwan under Qing Dynasty rule
flag_p1 = China_Qing_Dynasty_Flag_1889.svg
s1 = Taiwan under Japanese rule
flag_s1 = Flag_of_Japan_-_variant.svg

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symbol_type = Seal of the Republic


image_map_caption = Territory of the Republic of Formosa in 1895, prior to the Japanese invasion
national_motto =
national_anthem =
capital = Taipei (Moved to Tainan)|
common_languages = Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka
government_type = Republic
title_leader = President
leader1 = Tang Ching-sung
year_leader1 = May 1895 - June 1895
leader2 = Liu Yung-fu (de facto)
year_leader2 = June 1895 - Oct. 1895
stat_year1 = 1895
stat_pop1 = 2,980,000
currency = Qing Tael

The Republic of Taiwan (zh-tsp|t=臺灣民主國|s=台湾民主国|p=Táiwān Mínzhǔguó; lit. "Democratic State of Taiwan"; official English name: Formosan Republic, Taiwan Republic; also called Republic of Formosa) was a short-lived republic that existed on the island of Taiwan in 1895, between the formal cession of Taiwan by the Qing Dynasty of China to the Empire of Japan by the Treaty of Shimonoseki and the arrival of Japanese troops and assumption of Japanese sovereignty. Though sometimes claimed by certain historians or politicians as the first Asian republic to have been proclaimed, it was predated by the Lanfang Republic, which had been established in 1777.

The republic was proclaimed by a group of pro-Qing high officials and members of the local gentry in order to, it was hoped, prevent Japanese acquisition of Taiwan which China had just ceded to Japan under the Treaty of Shimonoseki. Many of these officials fled the island upon Japan's invasion. On May 24, 1895 an English translation of its declaration of independence was sent to all the embassies on the island, followed by a ceremony the next day. It managed to issue stamps under the auspices of the republic. From the onset, the founders of the republic made it clear that their actions were out of loyalty to the Qing and declared themselves to be tributaries of the Qing state.

In spite of the similarity in name, modern-day proponents of a "Republic of Taiwan" (as part of the Taiwan independence movement) tend to disavow a connection between the two, thus neither claiming a revival of that entity nor regarding themselves as political offspring of that movement. The reason for this is that the first Republic of Taiwan was created as an act of loyalty to the government of Qing while modern supporters of the Republic of Taiwan tend to distance themselves from mainland China.

Declaration of Independence

The declaration, in its original form in formal Chinese, reads:which roughly translates as::"The Japanese are powerful, and intend to annex Taiwan. The representatives of the residents of Taiwan had pleaded to the (Qing) court, but were turned down. The situation is dire, as the Japanese are approaching. Should we capitulate, our home would fall to enemy hands; should we resist, our strength is weak and could not withstand such aggression. (We) have negotiated with several foreign powers, and concluded that Taiwan must become independent in order for aids to come. The people of Taiwan will never capitulate to Japan; (we) would fight to the death rather than serve the enemy. According to the decision of the assembly, Taiwan shall become independent, and established as a democratic republic. All government officials shall be chosen by the people, and all official affairs shall be carried out impartially. To defend the new state and enforce new policy, there shall be a president to coordinate and manage the resources to maintain order and secure peace. Governor Tang Ching-sung is admired and approved by the people, thus was elected by the assembly as the President of the Republic of Formosa..."

Presidents of the Taiwan Republic

*Tang Ching-sung (May 25, 1895 – June 5, 1895)
*Liu Yung-fu (June 5, 1895 – October 21, 1895)

ee also

* History of Taiwan
* Japanese Invasion of Taiwan (1895)
* Gotō Shinpei