The First Sino-Japanese War, which began in 1894 and lasted until 1895, was a conflict between two regional powers, namely the Qing Dynasty of China and the Empire of Japan. The war was fought over control of the Korean Peninsula, which had been largely under the influence of both China and Japan for centuries prior. Initially, China sought to further extend its influence and control into Korea, while Japan wished to defend its interests in the region and reverse the decline of its national prestige through victory in a military campaign. Ultimately, Japan emerged as the victor and gained significant territorial concessions from China, including the Liaodong Peninsula and the nearby island of Formosa (Taiwan). In addition, Japan also gained control of Korea’s economic and diplomatic affairs as well as sole rights to control the port of Weihaiwei on the Shandong peninsula.
The roots of the First Sino-Japanese war are found in the changing relationships between China and Japan and the increasing tension between the two that emerged in the late 19th century. Both countries had laid claims to Korea, which led to an increase in tensions between their respective governments. The situation became particularly volatile after 1884 when Japan claimed that the Korean court was under their effective control. This move was seen as an affront by the Chinese government and sparked a surge in diplomatic standoffs between the two countries.
In response to Japanese pressure, the Chinese government altered the traditional rules surrounding diplomatic relations with Korea. This decision effectively created a buffer zone between China and Japan while also demonstrating Beijing’s resolve to see the peninsula remain under its control. In addition, numerous Chinese traders and settlers were sent to the peninsula, further reinforcing Chinese interests in Korea.
In 1894 the hostilities escalated due to a violent altercation between the Chinese and Korean navies in the Yalu river. In response, Japan launched a naval attack on Chinese ships and coastal fortifications. This military action initiated a full-scale war between the two nations.
The initial months of the war saw the Japanese taking back initiative from Chinese forces. Japan had superior training, weaponry, and technology, as well as better organization and tactics. On the other hand, China was hampered by internal politics, disorganization and corruption, and a lack of funds. The Japanese military took advantage of these weaknesses and were able to capture numerous strategic locations such as Port Arthur and Weiheiwei. Taking the initiative, Japan then launched a devastating series of land offensives against China and were able to press deep into Chinese territory.
In April of 1895, Japan declared victory and issued the Treaty of Shimonoseki. The treaty ceded control of the Liaodong Peninsula and the island of Formosa to Japan, and set up exclusive arrangements for the control of Korea’s economy, diplomacy and foreign trade. The Chinese government was forced to accept these terms, and officially ended the war.
The First Sino-Japanese War had significant ramifications for both China and Japan. For China, the conflict was seen as a humiliating defeat and highlighted the decline of the Qing Dynasty. In addition, the repercussions of the treaty forced China to grant numerous economic and diplomatic concessions to Japan, weakening its sovereignty even further. As for Japan, the victors enjoyed a newfound confidence, and the victory was seen as a catalyst for its subsequent emergence as a major world power. The war also laid the groundwork for Japan’s eventual expansion into other countries in the region, such as Manchuria, during the 20th century.