Sept. 2 Japan formally surrenders on the deck of the U.S. battleship Missouri, ending World War II . Their hopes that the end of Japan's rule would liberate Taiwan turned to frustration. The KMT and immigrating mainlanders prolong the country's problems.
Inflation slows the economy and unemployment rises.
Feb. 28 Monopoly bureau officials in Taiwan beat up a woman they suspect of selling cigarettes on the black market and shoot a passerby who tries to intervene. The protesters are met by KMT troops on March 8. Upwards of 20,000 people are brutally slaughtered in the confrontation. Top 1949 Dec. The United States stops military aid to Taiwan.