Taiwan's History: Martial Law to Democratization (1949-2008)

Chinese Civil War

Ended with the Communist Party of China (CCP) establishing the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland, while the Kuomintang (KMT) retreated to Taiwan.

KMT's Claim

Even after retreating, the KMT claimed sovereignty over all of China under the Republic of China (ROC) constitution.

2-28 Incident

Triggered by a police killing of a civilian selling contraband cigarettes, leading to widespread protests and massacres.

Martial Law Declaration

Declared by Chen Yi on May 20, 1949, lasting 38 years until lifted by President Chiang Ching-kuo on July 14, 1987.

Taiwan Identity (1949-1970s)

Taiwan identified as the 'real China,' opposing the PRC.

Taiwan Identity (1980s-1990s)

Shift toward a distinct Taiwanese identity, separating from the mainland.

Taiwan Identity (2000s-Present)

Explicit separation from China, with political narratives reinforcing Taiwan's independence.

White Terror

Period of one-party rule, suppression of dissent, censorship, and lack of political opposition.

Taiwan Miracle

Despite repression, economic reforms like land reform and industrialization led to economic growth.

Major Construction Projects

Infrastructure development laid the foundation for Taiwan's economic rise.

Military Dependents' Villages

Isolated communities of mainlanders, distinct from native Taiwanese (benshengren).

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)

Founded in 1986 as the first legal opposition party.

Martial Law Lifted

In 1987, ending KMT authoritarian rule.

Abolition of Temporary Provisions

In 1991, ending wartime constitutional framework.

First Direct Presidential Election

In 1996, marking Taiwan as a full democracy.

Economic Growth

Rising middle class pushed for political inclusion.

Civil Society

Growth of labor unions, environmental movements, and feminist groups advocating for change.

Elite Decisions

Chiang Ching-kuo lifted martial law; Lee Teng-hui implemented electoral reforms.

Mass Movements

Wild Lily Student Movement (1990) and Sunflower Movement (2014) pressured elites for democratic reforms.

Global Trends

Taiwan followed the Third Wave of Democracy.

US Influence

Pushed for political reforms while maintaining strategic ties.

China Factor

KMT justified authoritarianism by citing the threat from China.

Democracy: Distinct vs. Continuum

Key events like the lifting of martial law mark a clear transition.

Interests vs. Norms in Democratization

Economic growth empowered new elites who demanded inclusion.

Domestic vs. International Factors

Domestic: Economic growth, civil society, and mass movements; International: Global democratic trends, US influence, and pressure to differentiate from China.

Benshengren vs Waishengren

Benshengren are native Taiwanese, while Waishengren are mainland Chinese who fled with the KMT after 1949.

Ethnicity, Nationalism, and Identity

Contemporary politics is shaped by a growing Taiwanese nationalism emphasizing democracy and human rights, contrasting with China's authoritarianism.

Ethnicization and Indigenization

The political discourse increasingly frames Taiwan as a distinct nation, with the DPP advocating for Taiwanese identity and the KMT maintaining closer ties to Chinese heritage.

What is Democracy?

A system ensuring free and fair elections, rule of law, and civil liberties. Subtypes include liberal democracy, electoral democracy, and illiberal democracy.

Causes of Transition

Economic growth, middle-class empowerment, mass movements, and elite-driven reforms.

Institutional Impact

Strong democratic institutions like independent courts and free press prevent backsliding.

Taiwan's Strength

Taiwan's robust civil society, free press, independent judiciary, and active political participation make it one of Asia's strongest democracies.

Ethnic Structure

Migration from mainland China post-1949 shifted the ethnic balance, creating tensions.

New Taiwanese

Children of mixed Benshengren and Waishengren families, representing a new identity that blends traditions, fostering inclusivity and reshaping political discourse.

Role of PRC

China's claims over Taiwan fuel pro-independence sentiment and justify Taiwan's democratic resilience.

Role of US

The US has supported Taiwan militarily and diplomatically, pressuring for democratic reforms while maintaining strategic alliances.

1947

2-28 Incident — Sparked anti-KMT protests.

1949

KMT retreated to Taiwan, establishing martial law.

1986

Founding of the DPP.

1987

Martial law lifted by Chiang Ching-kuo.

1991

Abolition of Temporary Provisions.

1996

First direct presidential election under Lee Teng-hui.

Role of ethnicity, nationalism, and identity in contemporary Taiwan politics

Taiwanese politics is shaped by a growing nationalism that emphasizes democracy and human rights in contrast to China's authoritarianism.

Indigenization of Taiwan politics

Indigenization stems from rising Taiwanese nationalism, economic development empowering local identities, and the political discourse framing Taiwan as distinct from China.

Strength of Taiwan's democracy

Taiwan's strong democratic institutions, vibrant civil society, free press, independent judiciary, and active political participation have contributed to its robust democracy.

Migration's impact on ethnic structure

Migration post-1949 created ethnic tensions between Benshengren and Waishengren.

Implications of New Taiwanese

The emergence of 'New Taiwanese'—children of mixed backgrounds—has fostered inclusivity, blending traditions and reshaping political discourse toward a more unified Taiwanese identity.