Introduction
1
The Will of the People
In March 1990, university students and civic groups converged at Taipei’s Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to protest that—even after martial law ended—presidential elections were still determined by so-called “eternal legislators.” The demonstration later became known as the March Student Movement, or Wild Lily Movement.
(Taiwan Shinsheng Daily / Academia Historica)
JIANG,SI-XIAN / Public Television Service Taiwan / Open Museum
XIAO,RONG / Public Television Service Taiwan / Open Museum
Academia Historica / Taiwan Cultural Memory Bank
Jimmy Yao
Vincent Chien
Studio Incendo
ZENG,CHENG-XUN
Can ordinary people change history?
On March 23, 1996, when many people in Taiwan walked into polling stations, they may have felt that they were making history. That day marked the island’s first direct presidential election, with over 10 million people venturing out to cast their votes.International media from around the world arrived, drawn by curiosity about this seemingly improbable emerging democratic nation.
Not long ago, this country had been under martial law—a regime that had lasted 38 years since 1949. During this period, citizens’ rights to express political opinions were severely curtailed; freedoms such as publishing newspapers or forming political parties were restricted. Criticizing the authorities or voicing dissent could lead to arrest, imprisonment, or even death.
It wasn't until 1987 that the martial law was finally lifted. Yet in less than a decade, Taiwan underwent a profound transformation from dictatorship to democracy—a monumental change that some have hailed as a miracle.
Looking at Taiwan's own historical trajectory, the prospect of democracy also seemed nearly impossible. Since the 17th century, the island had been ruled by a succession of imperial and authoritarian regimes—from Dutch and Spanish colonial rule to the regime established by Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong); from being a frontier region of the Qing Empire to a colonial territory of Japan, and then to the authoritarian rule of the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang)—thus leaving little room for participatory governance.
1624
Diego Ruschel / public domain
In 1624, after being defeated by the Ming navy in the Battle of Penghu, the Dutch colonizers chose to build Fort Zeelandia on a sand dune at the port of Tayouan (modern-day Tainan). This marked the first step of modern nations entering Taiwan.
1662
Jan van Baden / public domain
In 1662, following nearly a year of siege by Koxinga on Fort Zeelandia, the Dutch Governor of the Dutch East India Company in Formosa, Frederick Coyett, agreed to surrender to Zheng's forces, bringing Taiwan's first Han Chinese regime into power. The image is an illustration from Coyett's book The Unwarranted Taiwan, depicting the scene of the Dutch surrender to Koxinga.
1684
"Pacification of Taiwan Battle Map" / public domain
In 1684, Shi Lang defeated Koxinga’s forces in Penghu, marking the start of Qing imperial rule over Taiwan. However, during the Qing rule, incidents of violence and rebellion among the populace occurred from time to time. The Lin Shuangwen Uprising, for instance, was the largest anti-Qing uprising in Taiwan. The illustration depicts the Qing army attacking Lin Shuangwen's stronghold in Daliyi.
1895
Japanese Imperial Guard Division Landing at Aodi
(Wikimedia / public domain)
(Wikimedia / public domain)
After the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, Japan dispatched the Imperial Guard Division to take over Taiwan, leading to clashes with anti-Japanese armed forces across the island. The illustration shows the division after landing at Aodi (present-day Sandiaojiao).
1945
Huang Rong-can's Horrifying Inspection / Tainan Research Archive / CC BY 3.0 TW
After Japan's surrender in World War II in 1945, the Republic of China government established the Taiwan Provincial Administrative Executive Office as the official governing body in Taiwan. However, its administration was plagued by persistent problems, eventually leading to the February 28 Incident, during which large numbers of civilians were massacred by military forces.
In Asia, Taiwan stood out as both unique and pivotal. In the 1990s, amid the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of Francis Fukuyama’s “end of history” thesis—which suggested that liberal democracy was the final form of government—democracy seemed destined to prevail. However, a contrasting argument soon emerged, contending that democracy was incompatible with the so-called "Asian values" and could not be applied to Asian countries.
After enduring layers of colonial rule, it seems almost unimaginable that one day the island’s people could peacefully cast their ballots—vote by vote—to choose their own leaders, express their views, and shape the course of their nation.
Yet, this very possibility became reality. In the days to come, every four years a presidential election has been held—again and again.
The Taiwanese didn’t merely elect a president; they also chose mayors, local officials, and village heads, and even participated in various referendums. They learned to weave democracy into the fabric of everyday life.
Democracy is no miracle; it is a marathon that demands long-term perseverance and constant adjustment.
For many first-time voters, the process of voting might seem unremarkable and fleeting. The entire process—from entering the polling station, receiving a ballot, marking it, and depositing it into the ballot box—could take less than a minute. Yet, this seemingly simple act ultimately accumulates into an formidable force that determines Taiwan's destiny.
History, in some ways, resembles elections. It is built upon seemingly inconsequential actions and wills of individuals. No one can predict the outcome until every vote is counted.
On the evening of March 23, the election results were announced. Over 5.8 million people cast their ballots for Lee Teng-hui, the Kuomintang candidate. With 54% of the vote, he became Taiwan's first democratically elected president. Notably, Lee had already been serving as president under an authoritarian regime for eight years, so his victory marked a pivotal step in transforming autocratic rule into democratic legitimacy.
That night, outside Lee‘s campaign headquarters, flags waved, and fervor filled the air. The people's will was on full display.
2
Under the Shadow of Empire
On August 23, 1958, the Chinese Communist forces bombarded Kinmen, prompting civilians and military personnel to launch a movement supporting the front lines.
(Collection of the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute / Open Museum)
Yet, the presidential election was not simply a tale of triumph and jubilation. On the eve of the 1996 election, the specter of war loomed over the Taiwan Strait.
In July 1995, Lee Teng-hui—then the incumbent president—visited the United States and delivered a speech entitled “Always in My Heart” at his alma mater, Cornell University, where he elaborated on Taiwan’s evolving democratic journey. The People’s Republic of China (PRC)—which has long sought to annex Taiwan since it defeated the Kuomintang during the Chinese Civil War in 1949, prompting the latter to flee to the island—responded vehemently by launching a series of military exercises near the Taiwan Strait.A year before the incident, a best-selling book titled The August of Leap Year 1995 had swept through Taiwanese society.
The book detailed a hypothetical plan and process for a Chinese Communist invasion of Taiwan. According to the author, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) had long planted operatives in Taiwan, waiting for the day of the presidential election—dubbed "T-Day Zero Hour"—to initiate a coordinated coup from both inside and out, seizing control of Taiwan in one fell swoop.
Ten minutes before T-Day Zero Hour: Major government offices, broadcasting and communications centers, airports, and seaports across Taiwan are suddenly overtaken by uniformed military and police personnel, acting under orders to respond to potential chaos resulting from the election outcome. Civilian aircraft forcibly landed at Chiang Kai-shek Airport and Kaohsiung Airport discharge fully armed military and police personnel, who, with internal collaborators, seize control of the terminals…
“
”
From March 8 to 15, 1996, as Taiwan prepared for its first direct presidential election, the Chinese Communist forces conducted the "Joint-96" missile firing exercises at missile bases in Yong'an and Nanping, Fujian Province.
From March 8 to 15, 1996, as Taiwan prepared for its first direct presidential election, the Chinese Communist forces conducted the "Joint-96" missile firing exercises at missile bases in Yong'an and Nanping, Fujian Province.
Two Dongfeng-15 missiles landed southwest of the waters off Kaohsiung; subsequently, four more missiles were detected in the waters near Xiaoliuqiu, Pingtung.
One Dongfeng-15 missile landed off the coast of Keelung.
From March 12 to 20, 1996, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and Air Force conducted live-fire military exercises in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
From March 18 to 25, 1996, the PLA Navy, Army, and Air Force conducted joint landing operation exercises on Pingtan Island, located less than 70 nautical miles from Taiwan's outlying islands.
Military experts dismissed the book’s prophecies as fanciful, yet its vivid, granular depictions of a potential military conflict in the Taiwan Strait struck a chord with many, intensifying the prevailing atmosphere of social unease.
In March 1996, during the same month as the presidential election, the Chinese Communist Party once again conducted military exercises, test-firing missiles into the Taiwan Strait.
During the 1996 Taiwan Strait Missile Crisis, the United States deployed the USS Independence aircraft carrier on patrol.
(National Archives and Records Administration, USA / public domain)
In response, the United States dispatched two aircraft carrier battle groups to patrol the area. War seemed imminent. That year, Taiwan’s stock market plummeted, and many people chose to emigrate overseas.
While elections offer citizens a moment to express their political will, they must also weigh a range of conditions and contexts. Faced with external challenges and threats, Taiwanese voters always try to strike a balance between their aspirations and the stark realities around them.
To understand Taiwan's history, one must consider this enduring impact of geopolitics. Its strategic location has made Taiwan a linchpin in East Asia—from serving as the bastion of "Free China" against communism during the Cold War to its current role on the frontlines of the U.S.-China rivalry. Throughout its history, Taiwan has been deeply intertwined with international dynamics, often compelling the island to adapt and fight for its survival amid these external pressures.
3
Divided Stances,
Contested Memories
Contested Memories
The 1996 "Bulletin of the 9th Presidential and Vice Presidential Election" featured four pairs of candidates, each representing different political spectrums.
The 1996 election also revealed deep divisions within Taiwanese society.
Four pairs of candidates took part, each representing different ethnic backgrounds, political ideologies, and visions for Taiwan's future. Their stances ranged from advocating unification with mainland China to favoring independence, and from emphasizing Chinese identity to asserting Taiwan's subjectivity. This not only demonstrated Taiwan's social diversity but also reflected its complex political spectrum.
One of the presidential candidates, Peng Ming-min—who represented the main opposition party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)—earned his doctoral degree in the University of Paris and later taught in the Department of Political Science at National Taiwan University. His academic background and international perspective richly informed his political ideals, which also led to his persecution under the authoritarian regime.
In 1964, Peng and his students jointly issued the "Declaration of Formosan Self-Salvation" which sent shockwaves through Taiwanese society. This declaration contained three core demands:
1.
Acknowledging that "recovering the mainland" was impossible, calling for the overthrow of the Chiang Kai-shek regime, and urging all people in Taiwan, regardless of provincial origin, to unite in building a new nation and government.
Acknowledging that "recovering the mainland" was impossible, calling for the overthrow of the Chiang Kai-shek regime, and urging all people in Taiwan, regardless of provincial origin, to unite in building a new nation and government.
2.
Redrafting the constitution to guarantee fundamental human rights, establishing an effective government accountable to parliament, and implementing true democratic politics.
Redrafting the constitution to guarantee fundamental human rights, establishing an effective government accountable to parliament, and implementing true democratic politics.
3.
Returning to the United Nations as a member of the free world, establishing diplomatic relations with all peace-loving nations, and contributing to world peace.
Returning to the United Nations as a member of the free world, establishing diplomatic relations with all peace-loving nations, and contributing to world peace.
On November 20, 1966, the English translation of the “Declaration of Formosan Self-Salvation” appeared in The New York Times with the bold headline “Formosa for Formosans.” (Memorial Foundation of 228)
The declaration directly challenged the legitimacy and governing foundation of the Kuomintang regime while painting a drastically different picture for Taiwan's future. The issuance led to Peng Ming-min's arrest and imprisonment, ultimately forcing him into years of exile abroad.
Thirty years later, Peng Ming-min returned to his homeland. Holding onto his original aspirations, he ran in the elections and advocated for a more radical stance on Taiwan independence that sharply contrasted with other candidates. By independence, he meant not only a separation from China but also the abandonment of the existing Republic of China system in Taiwan and the establishment of a new, sovereign Taiwanese state.
1996 Presidential Election Policy Presentation
What exactly is the relationship between Taiwan and the Republic of China? How much separation should Taiwan maintain from the People’s Republic of China? And ultimately, what should be Taiwan’s future path? In the decades to come, these questions will continue to surface, sparking fierce debates both during elections and throughout the broader political arena.
The internal divisions within Taiwanese society stem from the diverse historical experiences of the island's inhabitants.
When the Kuomintang government arrived in Taiwan in 1949, it brought with it a massive influx of immigrants. This migration brought not only a new population but also new cultures, languages, and political ideologies, igniting conflicts over provincial identity and creating complex ethnic relationships.
The 1990s marked the pinnacle of ethnic politics in Taiwan. It is often said that Taiwan comprises four major ethnic groups—Mainlanders, local Taiwanese, Hakka, and indigenous peoples—each with its own unique historical memory and cultural identity.
In reality, Taiwan's ethnic issues are far more complex than the commonly cited "four major ethnic groups. Since prehistoric times, this island has experienced multiple waves of migration. From the early Austronesian ancestors to the Han Chinese immigrants during the late imperial Chinese period, and then to the Japanese during the colonial era, each wave brought new cultural elements to the island.
This diverse ethnic makeup has led to varying interpretations and collective memories of history among different groups. For instance, when it comes to World War II, Mainlanders experienced the conflict as a patriotic struggle against Japanese aggression, whereas local Taiwanese—having lived under Japanese colonial rule—remember it from a markedly different perspective. In another case, indigenous peoples retain painful collective memories of Han Chinese encroachment and land dispossession since the 18th century. While some celebrate this expansion as a heroic act of pioneering new territories, for many indigenous communities it remains a source of deep sorrow.
Forging a common historical narrative has becomeone of the most formidable challenges for Taiwanese society. Without a shared past, is a shared future truly possible?
4
A History of Bitterness
Taiwan Local Autonomy League Inaugural Meeting during the Japanese colonial period
（wikimedia / public domain）
In 1964, the same year that Peng Ming-min published the “Declaration of Formosan Self-Salvation,” the exiled Taiwanese intellectual Wang Yu-de, living in Japan, published the book Taiwan: A History of Bitterness in Japanese. This book was not published in Taiwan until many years later, but it had already been translated and circulated privately, as it resonated deeply with many Taiwanese exiles who shared his experience of displacement.
Bitterness and misery, tears and sweat—in those repressive times, such narratives often became the primary framework for understanding Taiwan's history. But, is Taiwan's history solely one of suffering?
As the era of openness unfolded, it became increasingly evident that, while Taiwan’s past is indelibly marked by prolonged hardship, its people also have ventured into new territories, pursued their dreams, fought with courage, and even in darkness, found laughter and hope to hold.
Over the past few centuries, the writing of Taiwan’s history has evolved through distinct stages. From the travelogues of 17th-century Europeans to the local gazetteers compiled by Chinese officials, and then to the ethnographic studies of Japanese scholars, each period has its provided unique historical perspective.
In the first half of the 20th century, Japanese scholar Inō Kanori's Taiwan Cultural Records not only left a rich repository of historical material on Taiwan but also offered incisive observations and analyses that remain widely cited today. Meanwhile, Lien Heng, a historian born in Tainan, systematically wrote the history of his hometown with A General History of Taiwan.
(Continued Edition of Gazetteer of Taiwan Prefecture by Yu Wen-yi / National Museum of Taiwan History)
1685
Taiwan Prefect Jiang Yuying, along with Zhuluo County Magistrate Ji Qiguang and others, compiled the Taiwan Prefectural Gazetteer as a declaration of the Qing Empire's annexation of Taiwan.
The Jiang Gazetteer is also the earliest surviving local gazetteer from the Qing rule of Taiwan, establishing the precedent for officially commissioned local histories.
The Jiang Gazetteer is also the earliest surviving local gazetteer from the Qing rule of Taiwan, establishing the precedent for officially commissioned local histories.
(Draft of the First Edition of General History of Taiwan / National Museum of History)
1920
Lien Heng famously asserted that "Taiwanese people must know their own history," culminating in the publication of the General History of Taiwan, the first comprehensive history written about Taiwan by a Taiwanese person.
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1928
The posthumous publication of Inō Kanori's A Cultural History of Taiwan established its place as a cornerstone of Taiwan studies. Placing Taiwan within a global context and informed by his anthropological expertise, the work serves as a comprehensive encyclopedia of Taiwanese culture.
(Shih Ming Education Foundation)
1962
Shih Ming's A History of Four Hundred Years of Taiwanese People emerged as a key text for many who opposed the ruling party during the martial law period. Written from a leftist, people's history perspective, the book played a pivotal role in awakening Taiwanese national consciousness.
(Taiwan Commuter First Brand / Lao Yeh)
1997
The National Institute for Compilation and Translation compiled the Understanding Taiwan textbooks, significantly increasing the coverage of Taiwan's history and geography in the curriculum.
In the second half of the 20th century, Taiwan’s history gradually emerged as a field of academic research. With generations of scholars contributing their insights, the body of work has been impressive—not only in the traditional domains of political and military history, but also in new fields such as social, cultural, and environmental history. Moreover, the discovery of new sources—including archaeological finds, oral histories, archival materials, and visual records—has greatly enriched our understanding of Taiwan's past.
Every era demands a fresh perspective on its past. The question, then, is how to reexamine and reinterpret Taiwan's history through a new lens.
5
Toward a New History of Taiwan
In the following chapters, you will encounter a new history of Taiwan—a narrative recast and co-authored by a group of emerging Taiwanese scholars. This account synthesizes the myriad new studies and perspectives on Taiwan’s past that have emerged over the last 30 years.
Why, at this particular moment, do we need to present a new history of Taiwan?
The answer is simple: the existing narratives no longer meet contemporary needs. In an age defined by globalization, climate change, and drastic geopolitical shifts, we need a narrative that is more adaptable, innovative, and historically grounded and forward-looking. We hope that this history of Taiwan will both inform and inspire, a work that is as rigorous in scholarship as it is engaging in its narrative.
This history is organized chronologically into several key sections; however, we have deliberately chosen not to use dynastic or regime changes as dividing lines. This is by no means to diminish the importance of politics—each new regime coming to this island has brought tremendous changes and left lasting imprints—but rather to acknowledge that many phenomena and trends persist beyond political transitions. By looking beyond mere regime shifts, we can better understand the long-term forces that have shaped Taiwan, as well as the more profound transformations that have occurred over time.
This history of Taiwan seeks not only to spark intellectual innovation but also to use the past in addressing the challenges of our contemporary world. With this vision in mind, our story unfolds around three core themes: the Ocean, the Island, and the People.
Ocean
billlushana1 / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The Ocean represents Taiwan's connections, interactions, and resonance with the world.
In today's globalized world, understanding how a place interacts with the wider world is more crucial than ever. From the early migrations of Austronesian peoples, through the maritime trade of the 17th century, to today’s semiconductor industry, Taiwan has always been an integral part of global networks.
Island
Liou, Li-Lun / CC BY-SA 4.0
The Island emphasizes Taiwan's unique geography and ecosystems.
Echoing the contemporary global commitment to sustainability, we explore how the natural environment, flora and fauna, diseases, and non-human elements have each played a role in shaping history, while also examining the dynamic exchange, movements, and networks that weave together the lives of people and the natural world.
People
residential palace / CC BY 2.0
The People highlights the diverse identities and experiences within Taiwanese society.
Seeking consensus amidst diversity and building identity within difference stand as the central challenge of our time. The encounters and coexistence of different groups in Taiwan's history—from Indigenous peoples to the Dutch, from Hoklo to Hakka, from Mainlanders to new immigrants—as well as the historical experiences of different genders and social classes, are particularly significant today, as identity politics becomes a focal point for controversy and ongoing debate.
The Ocean, the Island, and the People—these three elements are not merely symbolic; they are like three strands of rope, tightly interwoven to form the rich tapestry of Taiwan’s history. They also embody the three key characteristics of this new Taiwan history: its global context, multi-species interactions, and multi-ethnic encounters.
But where does this story begin?
Not 400 years, not 4,000 years; we need to extend our timeline even further back, to tens of thousands of years ago, when the first people set foot on this island.
Each chapter will be released gradually in 2025—stay tuned!
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