The First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) was a conflict between the Qing Dynasty of China and Japan over influence in Korea. The war began after tensions escalated due to Korea's desire for independence from Chinese control. Japan, having modernized its military, sought to assert its dominance in the region. The war ended with a decisive victory for Japan, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki. This treaty forced China to recognize Korea's independence and cede Taiwan and the Pescadores Islands to Japan. The conflict marked Japan's emergence as a major world power and highlighted the decline of the Qing Dynasty.