1949
Communist forces are repulsed at Kinmen, giving Taiwan a respite from the mainland threat.
The government announces the Emergency Provisions for the Period of Suppression of the Rebellion and declares martial law.
Rent reductions for tenant farmers are enforced.
1950
(Mar) Chiang Kai-shek reassumes the presidency after a brief "retirement." The Korean War begins; the US resumes aid to Taiwan.
Local self-government begins; the island is divided into 5 cities and 16 counties, and local elections are held.
1953
The "land to the tiller" policy is implemented.
1958
Mainland China lays siege to Kinmen, sparking the "August 23 Artillery Duel."
1969
With the holding of "supplementary elections," Taiwanese are given their first limited access to central govern- ment authority.
1971
(Apr) The Tiaoyutai Incident.
(Oct) The ROC leaves the United Nations.
1972
(Feb) Nixon visits the PRC; the Shanghai Communique is released.
(Sep) Japan breaks relations with the ROC
1975
Chiang Kai-shek dies (he is succeeded by his vice-president, Yen Chia-kan).
1977
The Chungli Incident; this is today widely seen as marking the rise of a serious opposition movement.
1979
(Jan) The US announces intention to break relations with the ROC.
(Dec) The Kaohsiung Incident (a.k.a. the Formosa Incident or Meilitao Incident).
1986
Founding of the Democratic Progres- sive Party.
1987
(Jul) Martial law is formally lifted.
(Nov) New policy allows people to travel to mainland China.
1988
(Jan) Ban on new newspapers is formally lifted.
President Chiang Ching-kuo dies; he is succeeded by vice-president Lee Teng- hui.
Number of formal diplomatic partners falls to all-time low at 22.
1991
(May) The Period of Mobilization for Suppression of the Rebellion is terminated; sedition laws are eliminated.
(Dec) First election for National Assembly since 1947; KMT wins nearly 80% of the seats.
1992
National Assembly amends constitu- ion to allow for direct popular election of the president.
1993
(Apr) The Koo-Wang summit in Singapore breaks the ice in Taiwan-mainland relations.
(Aug) The New Party is founded, initiating an era of three-party politics.
1994
(Dec) Direct elections for previously appointive positions of Taiwan governor, Taipei mayor, and Kaohsiung mayor.
1995
(Feb) Lee Teng-hui, in his capacity as national leader, formally apologizes for the February 28 (1947) Incident.
(Jun) Lee Teng-hui visits Cornell University in the US, sparking tension in Taiwan- mainland relations.
1996
(Mar) Amidst Communist Chinese missile tests meant to intimidate Taiwan, the first ever direct popular election for the presidency is held; Lee Teng-hui wins with 54% of the vote.
(Dec) The National Development Conference is held; agreement is reached to "freeze" the provincial government.
1998
(Dec) Ground is broken for the Green Island Human Rights Monument.
1999
(Jul) Lee Teng-hui proposes the "two- states" formula; again cross-strait tensions rise.
With the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, the US, which had abandoned hope in the ROC, resumed aid to Taiwan to thwart Communist expansionism. With the intervention of the US Seventh Fleet, Taiwan could breathe a sigh of relief and morale was given a big boost. (Central News Agency)
In 1988, after the liberalization of imports of foreign produce, a demonstration in Taipei by farmers from central and southern Taiwan turned into the most serious popular protest in the early days of martial law (it was later dubbed the May 20 Protest). (photo by Chen Cheng-chang)
Thirteen years ago, Chen Shui-bian (second from left), now a presidential candidate, then a Taipei City Assembly member, was imprisoned for political reasons. This photo of his wife (in wheel-chair) and friends (including Frank Hsieh, far left, recently elected mayor of Kaohsiung) sending him off must bring back strong emotions. (courtesy of the China Times Information Center)