The Republic Nobody Saved - May 25, 1895

On May 25, 1895, Taiwan declared itself the Republic of Formosa, claiming to be Asia's first democratic republic, only to be crushed by Japan 151 days later, while the rest of the world watched and calculated. Richard Backus explores the extraordinary story of a nation born in betrayal, defended by ordinary people after its leaders fled, and ignored by every power that could have saved it. The questions it raised about recognition, sovereignty, and whether great powers will sacrifice smaller democracies remain alive today.