Violence Erupts Amid KMT Crackdown

The February 28 Incident marked a pivotal moment in Taiwan's history, stemming from widespread discontent with the Kuomintang (KMT) administration, which was perceived as repressive and corrupt compared to the previous Japanese rule. This discontent culminated in anti-mainlander violence, which erupted on February 28, leading to a severe response from the KMT government. The crackdown that followed resulted in the deaths and arrests of tens of thousands of individuals, creating a climate of fear and repression. The incident not only highlighted the tensions between local Taiwanese and the KMT but also set the stage for long-lasting societal impacts, including the establishment of a taboo surrounding discussions of the event in subsequent years. The KMT's heavy-handed approach to dissent further alienated segments of the population and contributed to a legacy of mistrust towards the government.