The March First Movement saw many rallies staged in Korea during a two-month period in March 1919 for Korean independence. The Movement technically started on March 1, 1919, when 33 nationalist leaders declared the country's independence from Japan at a park in central Seoul. The declaration sparked protests by ordinary Koreans across the country. The Japanese colonialists oppressed the uprising by brutal force. Consequently, the March First movement failed to achieve its objective of Korean independence. 11 pgs. 11 f/c. 3b.