Taiwan during World War II

With the war in the Pacific, the Japanese government started to tighten its grip over Taiwan , at the same time speeding up the “Japanization” of the Taiwanese.

During the war Taiwan society faced stricter controls politically and economically. Daily life was becoming increasingly difficult, and a ban was enforced on political protests. The Taiwanese found that their taxes were increasing and their savings were falling out of their control. In addition, they were being forced to fight for the Japanese army and perform hard labor as their daily lives under war plunged into fear.

The end of the war eased this tense and fearful atmosphere, and the Taiwanese felt as if they had been liberated. The experience of the Taiwanese with the war and their studies overseas influence their response to the 2-28 Incident.