Taiwan's Four Centuries: 1624-2024
Taiwan's Four Centuries: 1624-2024
by @archivist
This timeline traces Taiwan's transformative journey across four centuries, from Dutch and Spanish colonial rule through Japanese occupation, Chinese Civil War displacement, and its emergence as a modern democratic state. Key events highlight the island's shifting governance, cultural development, and growing international significance.
Taiwan Independence Association Prosecution
Members of the Taiwan Independence Association became the final group prosecuted under the Anti-Insurgency Law of 1949. Su Beng's book had significantly influenced their independence activism.
Taiwan
Su Beng Publishes Japanese Edition
Su Beng completed the original Japanese version of his groundbreaking historical work after three years of writing. The book presented Taiwan's history from the perspective of its people rather than its colonizers.
Japan
Chinese Version Completed
After six additional years of work, Su Beng finished translating and adapting his historical work into Chinese. This version would later gain underground circulation during Taiwan's martial law period.
Taiwan
Book Banned Under Martial Law
The Kuomintang government prohibited the book during Taiwan's martial law period due to its critical analysis of KMT rule. Despite the ban, underground copies circulated widely and influenced independence activists.
Taiwan
English Translation Published
The English version of the historical work was released, making Su Beng's indigenous perspective on Taiwanese history accessible to international readers. This edition helped spread awareness of Taiwan independence ideas globally.
United States
Chinese Edition Appendix Added
Su Beng supplemented the Chinese version with new material, updating his analysis to reflect changes in Taiwan's political and social landscape. This revision demonstrated the work's continuing relevance to independence discourse.
Taiwan
Revised Chinese Edition Released
A comprehensively updated Chinese edition was published, incorporating new historical perspectives and analysis. This version represented Su Beng's mature reflection on four centuries of Taiwanese history.
Taiwan