Japanese colonial rule refers to the period when Japan controlled various territories, primarily from the late 19th century to the end of World War II. This era began with the annexation of Taiwan in 1895 and included Korea, which was formally annexed in 1910. During this time, Japan sought to modernize these regions, implementing infrastructure projects and promoting industrialization. The impact of Japanese colonial rule varied across different territories. In Korea, for example, the Japanese enforced cultural assimilation policies, suppressing the Korean language and promoting Japanese culture. In contrast, in Taiwan, the Japanese invested in public health and education, leading to some economic development. However, both regions experienced significant oppression and exploitation during this period.