How did Japanese authorities respond to the March First Movement?

Japanese authorities responded to the March First Movement—a series of largely peaceful, nationwide demonstrations for Korea’s independence—with brutal and violent repression.1234

To suppress the protests, the colonial government deployed its gendarmerie along with army and navy units. The human cost of this crackdown was severe: approximately 7,000 to 7,500 people were killed, 16,000 were wounded, and roughly 46,000 to 47,000 individuals were arrested. Additionally, Japanese forces destroyed hundreds of private homes, dozens of churches, and several school buildings.2314

Following the movement, Japan recognized that its "iron rule" required more sophisticated tactics to maintain control. While the colonial policy remained fundamentally exploitative and ruthless, the authorities replaced the gendarmerie with an ordinary constabulary force and granted limited freedom of the press to appear less conspicuous.3

The violent suppression of these peaceful demonstrations stands as a clear violation of fundamental human rights and the principles of peaceful assembly, reflecting the oppressive nature of colonial rule during that era.234