What Colonialism Did For Taiwan (& Japan)
Japan governed Taiwan as a colony for 50 years, starting in 1895. During this time, Japan developed Taiwan's economy, focusing on producing food and raw materials like sugar and rice for Japan. They built infrastructure, improved public health, and increased education. Although there was harsh control and inequality, with Japanese people holding most of the best jobs, the average Taiwanese person's health and living conditions improved significantly. After Japan lost World War II, Taiwan gained independence, and the new government implemented land reforms that helped Taiwan's economy grow and set the stage for its industrialization. Today, Taiwan and Japan have a positive relationship, and Japan's influence can still be seen in Taiwan's culture and infrastructure.
Key Vocabulary
A unit of area equal to 10,000 square meters, commonly used in land measurement, especially in countries using the metric system.
Examples:
- The new park will span over 50 hectares, offering ample space for recreation.
- Farmers often measure their fields in hectares to determine crop yield.
- The total area of the forest fire exceeded several thousand hectares before it was contained.
To take private property for public use or benefit, often with compensation, by a government or other authority.
Examples:
- The government expropriated land for the construction of the new highway.
- After the revolution, many large estates were expropriated and redistributed.
- The city council decided to expropriate the old factory building to make way for a community center.
A plant of the lily family, cultivated for its edible young shoots, which are typically green or white and are considered a delicacy.
Examples:
- Fresh asparagus is a popular spring vegetable, often steamed or roasted.
- The chef prepared a delicious dish with grilled salmon and tender asparagus spears.
- Growing asparagus requires patience, as it takes a few years for the plants to mature and produce a good harvest.
A white, crystalline substance with a strong, aromatic odor, derived from the wood of the camphor tree or synthesized, used in medicines, moth repellents, and as a flavoring.
Examples:
- The chest rub contained camphor to help relieve congestion.
- Historically, camphor was used in embalming fluids due to its preservative properties.
- The distinctive scent of camphor filled the air in the old antique shop.
Relating to or inherited from an ancestor or ancestors; belonging to or characteristic of previous generations.
Examples:
- The family returned to their ancestral home for the annual reunion.
- Many people feel a strong connection to their ancestral traditions and customs.
- The ancient artifact was believed to have been passed down through generations within the ancestral lineage.
To make something more powerful, effective, or intense; to greatly enhance or boost.
Examples:
- The new marketing campaign supercharged sales for the struggling company.
- Adding a turbocharger can supercharge an engine's performance.
- The recent investment supercharged the startup's growth, allowing it to expand rapidly.
To fill or pervade with a quality or feeling; to introduce a new element or quality into something.
Examples:
- The artist tried to infuse her paintings with a sense of calm and tranquility.
- His leadership style helped to infuse the team with renewed energy and motivation.
- The spices will infuse the broth with a rich, complex flavor.
Reduced to poverty; made poor; also, deprived of strength, richness, or vitality.
Examples:
- The prolonged drought left many farming communities impoverished.
- Years of neglect had impoverished the soil, making it difficult to grow crops.
- The economic downturn left many families feeling impoverished, struggling to make ends meet.
A thing added to something larger or more important; a subordinate or auxiliary part.
Examples:
- The small shed was a mere appendage to the main house.
- Some critics argued that the new department was just an appendage to the existing structure, lacking real authority.
- The remote island was seen as a strategic appendage to the larger empire.
People who own land, especially a large amount of land.
Examples:
- The local landowners met to discuss the proposed zoning changes.
- Historically, landowners held significant power and influence in rural areas.
- The government offered incentives to landowners who adopted sustainable farming practices.
A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
Examples:
- The company experienced a period of turmoil after the sudden departure of its CEO.
- The political turmoil in the region led to widespread protests.
- Despite the internal turmoil, the team managed to deliver the project on time.
Relating to a dynasty, which is a succession of rulers from the same family or line, or a powerful family that maintains its position for a long time.
Examples:
- The museum exhibited artifacts from several dynastic periods of ancient China.
- The success of the business led to the creation of a dynastic fortune.
- The historian specialized in studying the intricate relationships within various dynastic families.
Land suitable for growing crops.
Examples:
- The region's rich, arable land is ideal for cultivating wheat.
- Converting non-arable land into productive farmland can be a challenging process.
- A significant portion of the country's economy relies on its vast expanses of arable land.
Feeling or appearing troubled or nervous; also, to stir up or excite public opinion or feeling about something.
Examples:
- The speaker's passionate words agitated the crowd, leading to a lively debate.
- She became visibly agitated when she couldn't find her keys.
- The union leaders worked to agitate for better working conditions for their members.
A robber or outlaw, typically a member of a gang of marauders.
Examples:
- The old western movie featured a notorious bandit gang terrorizing the countryside.
- Travelers were warned about the risk of encountering a bandit on the secluded mountain pass.
- The local authorities launched an operation to track down the elusive bandit.
Reached its highest point or final stage; brought to a close.
Examples:
- Years of hard work culminated in the successful launch of the new product.
- The intense negotiations culminated in a landmark agreement.
- His impressive career culminated with a prestigious lifetime achievement award.
A machine or person that separates grain from straw, typically by beating.
Examples:
- The old farm still uses a vintage thresher during harvest season.
- Modern threshers are much more efficient, allowing farmers to process crops quickly.
- The invention of the mechanical thresher revolutionized agricultural practices.
Relating to or denoting an animal that preys on others; also, tending to exploit or harm others for one's own gain.
Examples:
- The hawk is a predatory bird, known for its keen eyesight and hunting skills.
- Some companies engage in predatory pricing to drive out competitors.
- The new legislation aims to protect consumers from predatory lending practices.
The practice of being a bandit; robbery and violence committed by bandits.
Examples:
- The region had been plagued by banditry for years, making travel unsafe.
- The government launched a campaign to suppress banditry and restore order.
- Historically, periods of instability often saw a rise in banditry.
Farm implements with a heavy blade, used to turn over soil and prepare it for planting; also, the act of using such an implement.
Examples:
- The farmer used his new plows to prepare the fields for the spring planting.
- Modern plows are designed to work more efficiently, reducing the time and effort required for tillage.
- After the harvest, the fields need to be plowed to replenish the soil.