Tainan capitulates, ending the Republic of Formosa

Background. The Republic of Formosa was proclaimed in Tainan in May 1895, in an effort to forestall the incoming Japanese occupation. Tainan served as the second capital from June to October. Japanese forces landed near Keelung on 29 May 1895 and swept southwards in a five-month campaign, defeating resistance at Baguashan on 27 August 1895. The fall of Tainan in October ended the republic's existence.

Capitulation. Tainan capitulated to the invading forces of the Japanese Empire in October 1895. This event extinguished the Republic of Formosa, which had lasted 151 days. The fall of the city ended organized resistance to Japanese occupation, establishing control over the island and beginning the era of Japanese rule.

Aftermath. The capitulation inaugurated five decades of Japanese rule in Taiwan. Although the last militia units were defeated in November, the fall of Tainan marked the end of organized resistance. The city, known as the Phoenix City, transitioned from being the capital of the Republic to a center of Japanese colonial administration.