| History: |
The islands of Taiwan, historically known as Formosa, have a vibrant tapestry. Before the modern era, it was home to various indigenous tribes and later saw a huge influx of Han Chinese immigration from the mainland. During the late 19th century, Formosa briefly declared independence from the Qing Dynasty in 1895, establishing the short-lived Republic of Formosa. However, this first attempt at independence quickly vanished as Japan took control of the island following the First Sino-Japanese War.
The pivotal moment for the foundation of modern Formosa came at the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. After years of intense fighting, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) emerged victorious on the mainland, forcing the Kuomintang (KMT) to retreat. Under the leadership of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, the KMT government and around a hundred thousand supporters relocated to Taiwan. This mass exodus included government officials, military personnel, and civilians who fled to the island seeking refuge from the communist forces.
Upon their arrival, the KMT established the new government on the island, transforming it into a stronghold against the CCP. In December 1949, Chiang Kai-shek officially declared Taipei as the capital of the Republic of China (ROC), asserting that his government was the legitimate ruler of all China, even though its control was now limited to Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu.
To secure its claims and strengthen its governance on the island, the KMT implemented several crucial reforms and policies. The controversial Martial law was declared in 1949 and remained in effect for nearly four decades, creating a highly controlled political environment. The government also embarked on different land reforms, redistributing land from large landlords to tenant farmers, which helped to stabilize the rural economy. Still, many citizens had become dissatisfied with the Martial Law which led to its abolishment in 1987.
Despite the initial authoritarian rule under the KMT, Formosa began its democratization in the late 20th century. Martial law was lifted in 1987, and the island saw the rise of a vibrant civil society. The KMT's grip on power weakened as opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), gained support and KMT was heavily criticized on some of its policies back then. In 1996, Taiwan held its first direct presidential election, marking a significant milestone in its democratic evolution.
Today, the Republic of Formosa on Taiwan islands, often referred to simply as Taiwan, is a vibrant democracy with a robust economy and a distinct cultural identity. While the People's Republic of China (PRC) continues to claim the islands of Taiwan as a part of its territory, the island has maintained its de facto independence and still run as a sovereign state. |
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