White Terror (Taiwan)

Quick Facts: Who was White Terror (Taiwan)?

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White Terror (Taiwan)

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Period of political repression in Taiwan under the Kuomintang regime.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The White Terror (Chinese: 白色恐怖; pinyin: Báisè Kǒngbù; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Pe̍h-sek Khióng-pò͘) was the political repression of Taiwanese civilians and political dissenters under the government ruled by the Kuomintang (KMT). The period is generally considered to have begun when martial law was declared in Taiwan on 19 May 1949, which was enabled by the 1948 Temporary Provisions against the Communist Rebellion, and ended on 21 September 1992 with the repeal of Article 100 of the Criminal Code, allowing for the prosecution of "anti-state" activities. The Temporary Provisions had been repealed a year earlier on 22 April 1991. Martial law had been lifted on 15 July 1987. Two years after the 28 February incident, the KMT retreated from mainland China to Taiwan during the closing stages of the Chinese Civil War in 1949.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Wanting to consolidate its rule on its remaining territories, the KMT imposed harsh political suppression measures, which included enacting martial law, executing suspected leftists or those they suspected to be sympathetic toward the communists. Others targeted included Taiwanese locals and indigenous peoples who participated in the 28 February incident, such as Uyongʉ Yata'uyungana, and those accused of dissidence for criticizing the government. The KMT persecuted those who criticized or opposed the government, accusing them of attempting to subvert the regime, while dramatically expanding the scope of punishment throughout this period. It made use of the Taiwan Garrison Command (TGC), a secret police, as well as other intelligence units by enacting special criminal laws as tools for the government to purge dissidents. Basic human rights and the right to privacy were disregarded, with mass pervasive monitoring of the people, filings of sham criminal cases against anyone suspected of being a dissident, as well as labelling any individuals who did not conform to a pro-regime stance as communist spies, often without merit.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Others were labeled as Taiwanese separatists and prosecuted for treason. It is estimated that about 3,000 to 4,000 civilians were executed by the government during the White Terror. The government was also suspected of carrying out extrajudicial killings against exiles in other countries. Along with violence, the Kuomintang government used legal power and social control to maintain power during the White Terror. Under martial law declared in 1949, the KMT used offenses like overthrowing the government or threatening state stability to justify long, harsh prison sentences.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1949: 1949 Milestone — The period is generally considered to have begun when martial law was declared in Taiwan on 19 May 1949, which was enabled by the 1948 Temporary Provisions against the Communist Rebellion, and ended on 21 September 1992 with the repeal of Article 100 of the Criminal Code, allowing for the prosecution of "anti-state" activities.
2. 1987: 1987 Milestone — Martial law had been lifted on 15 July 1987.
3. 1991: 1991 Milestone — The Temporary Provisions had been repealed a year earlier on 22 April 1991.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: White Terror (Taiwan)

True or False: “The White Terror period ended definitively with the repeal of all anti-state laws in Taiwan.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While Article 100 was repealed on September 21, 1992, martial law itself was officially lifted earlier, on July 15, 1987.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Alan García — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Controversial Peruvian politician who served two non-consecutive terms as President of Peru.
• A. Wyatt Tilby — Historical peer (Died in 1948) (1948): British author, journalist, and traveler known for his writings on history and philosophy.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Historical peer (Died in 1948) (1948): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• 21 Savage — Historical peer (Born in 1992) (1992): Atlanta-based rapper known for his distinctive style and career evolution.
• 6lack — Historical peer (Born in 1992) (1992): American R&B singer, songwriter, and rapper known professionally as 6lack.
• Abby Stein — Historical peer (Born in 1991) (1991): Israeli-American author, rabbi, and activist who speaks on faith and gender identity.
• Abhay Jodhpurkar — Historical peer (Born in 1991) (1991): Indian singer known for songs in multiple South Indian languages and Bollywood hits.
• Aaron Carter — Historical peer (Born in 1987) (1987): American singer and rapper known for teen pop stardom and enduring musical career.
• Afrojack — Historical peer (Born in 1987) (1987): Dutch DJ and record producer, known professionally as Afrojack.

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