In 1895, with the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki, the people of Taiwan were deprived of their Chinese nationality. Under colonial rule, generations of people on the island endured a program of "Japanization." But many refused to be cowed. Among them were prominent figures such as historian Lien Heng, Lin Zumi and Xie Wenda. Driven by a deep sense of belonging, they petitioned for the restoration of their Chinese nationality.