Taiwan Lives: A Social and Political History

Taiwan's colonial history is explored in Taiwan Lives, through the lives of 24 individuals, including merchants, exiles, activists, pop stars, doctors, and presidents, offering snapshots of historical eras and illustrating the interwoven fabric of colonialism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2024
Publisher: University of Washington Press

From a cradle of Austronesian expansion to the vibrant economic powerhouse and successful democracy it is today, Taiwan is steeped in a rich and complex colonial history. In Taiwan Lives, Niki J. P. Alsford presents a comprehensive exploration of the island nation's intricate past, woven through the life stories of those who have lived it. A merchant, an exile, an activist, a pop star, a doctor, and a president are just a few of the twenty-four individuals whose lives populate this people's history of Taiwan. Spanning across time, social strata, ethnicity, and political alliances, these tales offer glimpses into historical eras and illustrate the intricate web of colonialism. Chapters can be read in sequence or individually, making Taiwan Lives an ideal resource for undergraduate course use.

Introduction:
Taiwan, a small island nation located off the coast of China, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the centuries. From a cradle of Austronesian expansion to the vibrant economic powerhouse and successful democracy it is today, Taiwan is steeped in a rich and complex colonial history. In Taiwan Lives, Niki J. P. Alsford presents a comprehensive exploration of the island nation's intricate past, woven through the life stories of those who have lived it.

The Colonial Era:
Taiwan's colonial history dates back to the 16th century when Portuguese traders arrived on the island. Over the next few centuries, Taiwan was ruled by various European powers, including the Dutch, Spanish, and British. The Dutch established a colony on the island in the 17th century and named it Taiwan. The Spanish followed suit in the 18th century and named it Filipinas. The British, who ruled Taiwan from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, referred to the island as Formosa.

The Lives of Individuals:
Taiwan Lives features the life stories of twenty-four individuals who played significant roles in Taiwan's colonial history. These individuals include merchants, exiles, activists, pop stars, doctors, and even presidents. Each chapter focuses on a different individual, providing a glimpse into their life and experiences during the colonial era.

The Interwoven Fabric of Colonialism:
Through the life stories of these individuals, Taiwan Lives illustrates the interwoven fabric of colonialism. The individuals' experiences and struggles reflect the broader social, economic, and political changes that occurred during the colonial period. The chapters cover a range of historical eras, from the early Dutch colonial period to the Japanese occupation and the Chinese Communist Revolution.

Reading Taiwan Lives:
Chapters in Taiwan Lives can be read in sequence or individually. The book is written in clear and accessible prose, making it suitable for undergraduate course use. The chapters are organized in a logical and chronological manner, allowing students to gain a comprehensive understanding of Taiwan's colonial history.

Conclusion:
Taiwan Lives is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Taiwan's colonial history. Through the life stories of twenty-four individuals, the book provides a unique and personal perspective on the island nation's past. By exploring the interwoven fabric of colonialism, Taiwan Lives offers insights into the complex social, economic, and political changes that shaped Taiwan's development.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295752167