The Annexation of Korea refers to the formal incorporation of the Korean Peninsula into the Japanese Empire in 1910. This process followed years of increasing Japanese influence over Korea, particularly after the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895 and the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. Japan established a protectorate over Korea in 1905, which paved the way for full annexation. The annexation lasted until the end of World War II in 1945. During this period, Japan implemented policies aimed at assimilating Koreans, including the suppression of Korean culture and language. The annexation had lasting effects on Korea, shaping its modern history and relations with Japan.