White Terror

White Terror is perhaps the darkest period of time for Taiwan. Starting with the 228 Massacre in 1947 until the end of the martial law in July 15, 1987, the White Terror had wiped out an entire generation, culturally and historically. The Republic of China, under the aim of taking back all of China, targeted any individuals in Taiwan that spoke up against the government or had a strong sense of Taiwanese identity.

This section will explore the different events that occurred during the White Terror era.

2011 Green Island En

228 Massacre

228, also known as the February 28 Massacre, occurred in 1947 when the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) government of the Republic of China (ROC) violently suppressed an anti-government uprising in Taiwan. What caused the tension that led up to 228? Between 1895 and 1945, the Japanese ruled over Taiwan. During these years, the Japanese developed…

Martial Law

It was declared a “watershed moment in its democratization”, but there was no jubilation or dancing in the streets. The Nationalists Kuomintang (KMT) still had a strangle hold on Taiwan’s political system, but this was the beginning of political liberalization and the roots of Taiwanization. When was Taiwan’s martial law? Martial law ran from 1949 to…

Formosa Incident

December 10, 1979 marked what is known as the Formosa Incident or the KaoHsiung Incident. What started out as a planned rally for the International Human Rights day became a day to marked in Taiwan history. This incident gave name to the KaoHsiung Eight, who would each make a mark in shaping a democratic Taiwan.…