The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files
Taiwan in the “Teens” (1911-1919) – S5-E10
Apr 24, 2025
Exploring Taiwan during the early 1900s reveals a complex tapestry of revolution and resistance. The episode highlights the audacious efforts of Luó Fúxīng, a revolutionary executed for opposing Japanese rule. Attention is also drawn to the significant and often overlooked Tapani Incident, where local grievances ignited widespread rebellion. Amid global upheaval, Taiwan's stability under Japan contrasted sharply with emerging local identities and struggles for self-determination. The historical legacies and urban transformations in Taipei add further depth to Taiwan's rich narrative.
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Global Turmoil Inspires Taiwan
- The 1910s were marked by world-changing events like the end of China's imperial era and the Russian Revolution.
- Wilson's idea of self-determination inspired Asian intellectuals despite the Treaty of Versailles betraying these ideals.
Luō Fúxīng's Revolutionary Journey
- Luō Fúxīng was a Chinese revolutionary active in anti-Qing and anti-Japanese causes.
- He recruited fighters for uprisings, was arrested, and executed in Taiwan in 1914.
Tapani Incident's Religious Spark
- The 1915 Tapani incident was the largest Han Chinese armed resistance in Japanese Taiwan.
- It combined religious millenarian beliefs with economic grievances, ending in defeat and execution of leaders.