The Story of Taiwan
Taiwan's historical narrative is deeply intertwined with colonialism and modernization. Ceded to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), Taiwan experienced significant changes under Japanese rule, which laid the groundwork for future governance and economic development.
After the defeat of Japan in World War II, Taiwan was returned to China as per the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation, instigating a troubled relationship between the local Taiwanese population and the Kuomintang (KMT) led by Chiang Kai-shek. The KMT's regime was characterized by suppression of free speech and exclusion of locals from power, which led to the 1947 February 28 Incident, where locals protested against government abuses, resulting in brutal repression.
Despite such challenges, the KMT implemented land reforms that increased agricultural productivity, contributing to Taiwan's rapid economic growth. By the early 1970s, Taiwan had achieved remarkable success, becoming the second-largest economy in Asia after Japan.
The late 20th century was marked by a significant shift toward democratization. Following Chiang's death in 1975 and the lifting of martial law in 1987, Taiwan began its journey toward a democratic system. The establishment of opposition parties and free elections allowed local Taiwanese to ascend to power, fostering a renewed sense of national identity amidst ongoing tensions regarding its political status in relation to mainland China.
Today, Taiwan navigates a delicate balance of maintaining economic ties with China while asserting its identity as a self-governing democracy.