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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

First Sino-Japanese War

Conflict between China and Japan (1894-1895).
Conflict between China and Japan (1894-1895).

The conflict between Qing dynasty and Empire of Japan over Korea.

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1875
Japan Forces Korea to Open to Foreign Trade

In 1875, Japan compelled Korea to open up to foreign trade, particularly with Japan, and declare independence in foreign relations, sparking tensions with China over influence in Korea.

1876-02-26
Ganghwa Treaty signed opening Korea to Japanese trade

After confrontations between the Japanese and Koreans, the Ganghwa Treaty was signed, allowing Japan to trade with Korea.

1880
King Gojong establishes diplomatic ties with the United States

King Gojong of Korea decided to establish diplomatic relations with the United States following Chinese advice, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce, and Navigation in Incheon on May 22, 1882.

1881-01
Korean government launches administrative reforms

In January 1881, the Korean government initiated administrative reforms, establishing the Office for Extraordinary State Affairs and sending a technical mission to Japan to survey modernized facilities.

1882-07-23
Military Mutiny and Riot in Seoul

On July 23, 1882, a military mutiny and riot erupted in Seoul, triggered by soldiers' resentment over food shortages, delayed pay, and corrupt distribution practices. The rioters targeted government officials, leading to chaos and destruction in the city.

1882-08-30
Treaty of Chemulpo

Following the attack on the Japanese legation in Seoul, the Treaty of Chemulpo was signed on August 30, 1882. The agreement specified punishments for Korean conspirators, reparations to be paid to the families of slain Japanese, and permissions granted to the Japanese government to station troops at their diplomatic legation in Seoul.

1884
Attempted Korean Government Overthrow

In 1884, pro-Japanese reformers in Korea tried to overthrow the government, leading to Chinese intervention under Gen. Yuan Shikai, preventing a conflict with Japan and resulting in the Li-Itō Convention.

1894-03-28
Assassination of Kim Ok-gyun

Kim Ok-gyun, a pro-Japanese Korean revolutionary, was assassinated in Shanghai by a Korean, Hong Jong-u. His body was sent back to Korea and displayed as a warning to rebels and traitors.

1894-04-17
First Sino-Japanese War

The First Sino-Japanese War was fought between the Empire of Japan and China from 1894 to 1895 over control and influence in Korea. It resulted in the cession of the Liaodong Peninsula and the island of Taiwan to Japan through the Treaty of Shimonoseki.

1894-06-01
Donghak Rebel Army moves toward Seoul

The Donghak Rebel Army started moving towards Seoul, prompting the Korean government to seek assistance from the Qing government to suppress the revolt.

1894-06-02
Decision to Send Troops to Korea

The Japanese cabinet decided to send troops to Korea if China did the same, escalating tensions between the two countries.

1894-06-04
Violating The Convention of Tientsin

On June 4, 1894, the Korean king requested aid from the Qing government, leading to the dispatch of Chinese troops to Korea, violating the Convention of Tientsin.

1894-06-05
Chinese Troops Landing at Asan

On 5 June 1894, about 1,500 Chinese troops from Tientsin landed at Asan, marking the beginning of military presence in Korea during the First Sino-Japanese War.

1894-06-06
Chinese soldiers sent to Korea to suppress Donghak Rebellion

Approximately 2,465 Chinese soldiers were dispatched to Korea to help quell the Donghak Rebellion, leading to a dispute with Japan over the violation of the Convention of Tientsin.

1894-06-08
Japanese soldiers land at Chemulpo

The first group of around 4,000 Japanese soldiers and 500 marines landed at Chemulpo, marking the beginning of Japanese military involvement in Korea.

1894-06-09
Arrival of Chinese Troops in Korea

Chinese forces, under the command of General Ye Zhichao, arrived in Korea to suppress the Donghak Rebellion, further intensifying the situation.

1894-06-11
Ceasefire during Donghak Rebellion

A ceasefire was declared during the Donghak Rebellion, but the Japanese government instructed its forces to remain in Korea despite the rebellion's end.

1894-06-16
Meeting between Japanese foreign minister Mutsu Munemitsu and Qing ambassador Wang Fengzao

Japanese foreign minister Mutsu Munemitsu meets with Qing ambassador Wang Fengzao to discuss the future status of Korea. Wang states that China intends to pull out of Korea after suppressing the rebellion.

1894-06-22
Japanese prime minister Itō Hirobumi's decision for war

Japanese prime minister Itō Hirobumi decides that there is probably 'no policy but to go to war' with the Qing Empire after observing their military preparations.

1894-06-27
Dispatch of Oshima Composite Brigade to Chemulpo

A reinforced brigade of approximately 8,000 troops, known as the Oshima Composite Brigade and under the command of General Ōshima Yoshimasa, was dispatched to Chemulpo by June 27.

1894-07-19
Establishment of the Japanese Combined Fleet

The Japanese Combined Fleet, comprising almost all vessels in the Imperial Japanese Navy, is established. This fleet plays a crucial role in the upcoming events during the war.

1894-07-23
Japanese capture Joseon King Gojong and rename him Gwangmu Emperor

On July 23, 1894, the Japanese captured Joseon King Gojong and renamed him Gwangmu Emperor to signify his independence from Chinese control.

1894-07-25
Battle of Pungdo

The Battle of Pungdo occurred on July 25, 1894, near Asan, Korea, as the first naval battle of the First Sino-Japanese War between the Japanese Navy and a Chinese fleet.

1894-07-27
Battle of Seonghwan

Major-General Ōshima Yoshimasa led Japanese forces to engage Chinese troops near Asan Bay. The battle resulted in Japanese victory, breaking the Chinese encirclement of Seoul.

1894-07-28
Battle of Seonghwan

The first major land battle of the war between Japan and China in 1894. Japanese forces used infantry, cavalry, and artillery to outflank Chinese defenses, leading to the Chinese retreat to Asan.

1894-07-29
Battle of Asan

Following the Battle of Seonghwan, Japanese forces pursued Chinese defenders to Asan on July 29, 1894. The Japanese achieved a decisive victory with minimal casualties.

1894-08-01
Outbreak of the First Sino-Japanese War

The First Sino-Japanese War began on August 1, 1894, and lasted until April 17, 1895. It was a conflict between China and Japan over control of Korea and influence in East Asia.

1894-09-14
Defeat of the Beiyang fleet

The defeat of the Beiyang fleet occurred on September 14, 1894, during the First Sino-Japanese War. The Chinese Beiyang fleet, under Admiral Ding, faced off against the Japanese Combined Fleet but was outmaneuvered and forced to retreat. This defeat further weakened Chinese military presence in the region.

1894-09-15
Battle of Pyongyang

The Battle of Pyongyang took place on September 15, 1894, during the First Sino-Japanese War. The Imperial Japanese Army attacked the city of Pyongyang, leading to fierce fighting and the defeat of the Chinese forces. This battle marked a significant turning point in the war.

1894-09-17
Battle of the Yalu River

The naval battle between the Japanese Combined Fleet and the Chinese Beiyang Fleet near the mouth of the Yalu River. The Japanese victory was attributed to their superior speed and firepower, leading to the destruction of eight of the ten Chinese warships.

1894-10-23
Japanese First Army crosses the Yalu River

The Japanese First Army, under Field Marshal Aritomo Yamagata, successfully crossed the Yalu River using a pontoon bridge. This strategic move allowed them to advance towards Jiuliancheng and other key locations in Manchuria.

1894-10-24
Land Battle of Yalu

In the First Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese successfully passed Chinese ports along the Yalu River and attacked Chinese barriers from the enemies' side, forcing the Chinese to retreat on the morning of December 25th.

1894-10-25
Capture of Hushan by Japanese forces

Japanese forces captured Hushan, a key location north of Jiuliancheng, as part of their strategic advance in Manchuria. This victory set the stage for further Japanese successes in the region.

1894-11-21
Port Arthur Massacre

Japanese forces, angered by the display of a mutilated Japanese soldier's head, proceeded to kill civilians in Port Arthur, with unconfirmed estimates of casualties in the thousands. The event was initially viewed with skepticism, as it was believed to be Chinese propaganda to discredit Japanese hegemony.

1894-12-10
Fall of Kaipeng (Gaizhou)

The Japanese 1st Army Corps captured Kaipeng (present-day Gaizhou) on December 10, 1894, during the First Sino-Japanese War.

1894-12-16
First Land Battle at Pyongyang

The first land battle of the First Sino-Japanese War took place at Pyongyang on December 16, 1894. The Chinese troops, numbering 14,000, faced off against the Japanese army of 10,000 to 20,000 soldiers. Despite being divided into 4 separate armies, the Chinese were defeated by the Japanese, with 7,000 Chinese soldiers losing their lives.

1895-02-12
Fall of Weihaiwei

After a 23-day siege, the Japanese successfully captured Weihaiwei on February 12, 1895, by outflanking the harbor's defenses and coordinating ground and naval forces.

1895-03-04
Fall of Niuzhuang and Liaoyang

In early 1895, the Chinese attacked the Japanese at Hai-ch'eng, but failed. Subsequently, the Japanese secured victories leading to the fall of Niuzhuang and Liaoyang by March 4th. This marked the effective end of fighting in Manchuria.

1895-03-05
Battle of Yingkou

The Battle of Yingkou took place on March 5, 1895, outside the port town of Yingkou, Manchuria, during the First Sino-Japanese War.

1895-03-23
Japanese Invasion of Taiwan Begins

On March 23, Japanese warships started bombarding Chinese positions around Lizhangjiao port, leading to the capture of the area by Japanese troops. The Chinese forces offered token resistance but eventually retreated to Xiyu Island.

1895-03-26
Japanese Control of Taiwan Archipelago

By March 26, all islands in the archipelago, including Taiwan, were under Japanese control. Rear Admiral Tanaka Tsunatsune was appointed governor. This operation prevented Chinese forces in Taiwan from being reinforced.

1895-04-16
The Treaty of Shimonoseki

The Treaty of Shimonoseki was signed on April 17, 1895, where the Qing Empire ceded territories to Japan, marking the end of the First Sino-Japanese War.

1895-04-17
Treaty of Shimonoseki

On April 17, 1895, the Chinese government sought peace and signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki with Japan. The treaty granted Japan territories including the Pescadores, Formosa, Port Arthur, and the Liaodong Peninsula.

1895-04-23
Triple Intervention

The Triple Intervention of 23 April 1895 involved Russia, Germany, and France pressuring Japan to relinquish the Liaodong Peninsula (Port Arthur) in exchange for an increased financial indemnity.

1895-05-23
Declaration of the Republic of Formosa

Several Qing officials in Taiwan declared the island to be an independent Republic of Formosa in response to the cession of Taiwan to Japan under the Treaty of Shimonoseki.

1895-06-05
Japanese occupation of Keelung and Taipei

Japanese army occupied Keelung on 5 June and entered Taipei on the following day. The Office of the Governor-General was established in Taipei, marking the beginning of Japanese rule in Taiwan.

1895-10-21
End of the Republican resistance in Taiwan

Japanese forces defeated the Republican forces in Taiwan, leading to the surrender of the Republican capital Tainan and the flight of the second Republican president, Liu Yongfu.

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First Sino-Japanese War
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