清康熙二十三年 (西元1684年) 將臺灣納入版圖後，基於民族、政治、治安等因素，對臺灣防範甚嚴，於是有防臺政策的實施，多方加以控制，阻礙臺灣近代的開發，影響甚大。十八世紀後期，由於英國海權的興起及工業革命的展開，促使英國對海外市場需求甚為急切，英國政府鑑於在華商業利益重大，遂藉鴉片戰爭打開中國大門，其它列強亦接睡而至。咸豐十年 (西元1860年) 臺灣在中英、中法天津條約下開港，西方列強勢力遂因商業經濟利益等因素開始進入臺灣；清廷亦未察覺事態的嚴重及西方列強的野心。直到同治十三年 (西元1874年) 牡丹社事件，見識到與近代國家日本交涉的複雜，更因日本率兵侵臺直接威脅到清朝對臺灣主權，始警覺問題的嚴重及外人對臺的野心;對臺灣地位有新的認識，重新調整對臺政策，一改過去防範、消極的態度，進而積極開發建設，在臺灣歷史上開啟了另一新的局面。

In 1684, the 23rd year of Emperor Kang-hsi, Ching Dynasty accepted Taiwan as one part of his empire. According to the reasons of race, politics, and public security, Ching government implemented many policies which defended against Taiwan very much and also obstructed Taiwan’s development. At the late period of the 18th century, because of the prosperity of the United Kingdom's sea power and the extension of industrial revolution, the United Kingdom was eager to open the overseas market. By means of the Opium War, England government would like to open the gate of China. And then, other countries also had the same desire as the United Kingdom. In 1860, the 10th year of Emperor Hsien-feng, Taiwan was forced to open the harbor due to China-England's and China-France’s Treaty of Tien-tsin. The strength of western countries came into Taiwan by means of business and economy. At that time, Ching government didn’t notice the seriousness of this event and the western countries’ ambition untill874, the 13rd year of Tung-Chih, Japan occupied Taiwan by means of the Matsarar Event. Afterwards, Ching government realized that it was really complicated to negotiate with Japan and the Japanese army of occupation in Taiwan directly threatened Ching’s authority to Taiwan. After that, Ching government adjusted the policy to Taiwan and actively developed and constructed Taiwan. From then on, Taiwan had a new condition in its history.