Image for Taiwan's Martial Law Era

Taiwan's Martial Law Era

Taiwan's Martial Law Era lasted from 1949 to 1987, during which the government, under the Kuomintang (KMT), maintained strict control over political activities, civil liberties, and media to suppress dissent and consolidate power following the Chinese Civil War. This period was marked by censorship, political arrests, and restrictions on free speech, aimed at resisting communist influence and unifying Taiwan. The era ended with political reforms and democratization, leading to free elections and greater civil liberties. It significantly shaped Taiwan’s political development, transitioning from authoritarian rule to a vibrant democracy.