Korean History

When did Korea begin opening up to Western powers?

In the late 1800s.

Why did Western powers send ships to Korea?

To open Korea to trade and commerce.

What was one major problem in Korea during the early 1800s?

Poverty, famine, peasant uprisings, and a shortage of money.

What was Catholicism's effect on Korea?

It created conflict with Confucian traditions, and the government persecuted Catholics.

Who was Taewon-gun?

A regent who ruled Korea beginning in 1864 while his young son was king.

What were Taewon-gun's main goals?

To resist Western influence and strengthen Korea's traditional government.

What reforms did Taewon-gun introduce?

He reduced the power of the yangban, changed taxes, reformed the examination system, and strengthened the military.

Why did Taewon-gun lose power?

He failed to keep Western nations out of Korea and became unpopular.

Who succeeded Taewon-gun in power?

Queen Min, who ruled as a powerful influence over the king.

What happened in 1876?

Korea signed a trade treaty with Japan and opened ports, including Pusan.

What was the main rivalry over Korea?

China and Japan competed for influence and control over Korea.

Why did Japan want influence over Korea?

Japan wanted to expand its power and prevent rival nations from controlling Korea.

What was the Tonghak movement?

A religious movement that attracted followers by criticizing Western influence and Catholicism.

What happened in the Tonghak Revolt of 1894?

Korean peasants rebelled, and the Korean government requested Chinese military help.

What war began after China and Japan intervened in Korea in 1894?

The Sino-Japanese War.

Who won the Sino-Japanese War?

Japan.

What happened to Japan's influence after the Sino-Japanese War?

Japan gained greater influence over Korea.

What happened to Queen Min in 1895?

She was murdered by Japanese agents.

Why did the Korean king seek refuge in the Russian embassy?

He feared Japanese influence and wanted protection from Japan.

What was the Independent Club?

A group of young Koreans who wanted independence and democratic reforms.

What happened in 1898 regarding Russia and Korea?

Russia withdrew its secret agents from Korea after Japan opposed its influence.

When did the Russo-Japanese War take place?

1904–1905.

What happened in 1905?

Japan forced Korea to become its protectorate.

What happened in 1910?

Japan officially annexed Korea and made it part of the Japanese Empire.

How did Japan govern Korea?

Through a military government supported by Japanese officials and secret police.

What was one major goal of Japan's economic policies in Korea?

To develop Korea's resources and economy to benefit Japan.

What infrastructure did Japan build in Korea?

Railroads, postal services, transportation networks, and harbors.

How were Korean farmers affected by Japanese rule?

Many lost their farmland, and Japanese owners used Korean land to grow rice for Japan.

How did Japan try to suppress Korean culture?

It promoted Japanese language and history, restricted Korean traditions, and tried to replace Korean cultural identity.

What happened on March 1, 1919?

A massive Korean independence demonstration took place against Japanese rule.

How did Japanese authorities respond to the March 1 Movement?

They attacked demonstrators and imprisoned thousands of Koreans.

What happened to the Korean independence movement after 1919?

It split into different groups, including an independence government in Shanghai and armed resistance groups in Manchuria.

Who led the Korean government established in Shanghai?

Syngman Rhee later became its leader.

What happened during the 1929 student uprising?

Korean students protested against Japanese rule.

How did Japanese rule change during the 1930s?

It became harsher and more militaristic.

What happened to many Koreans during World War II?

They were forced to serve in the Japanese military or work in mines and factories.

What did Japan's defeat in World War II mean for Korea?

It created the opportunity for Korea to gain independence.