First Sino-Japanese War/Definition

Fought over control of Korea by Qing Dynasty China and Meiji Restoration Japan (1894-1895); Japan gained control of Korea

Aug 1, 1894 to April 17, 1895 ( fighting broke out on July 25, 1894 ) over control of Korea,

which was a Chinese tribute state. Many foreign observers expected China to win, as

its navy was stronger on paper with its ironclad battleships and the Chinese army was

assumed to be massive.