Welcome and Introduction

• The class begins with the instructor greeting students and hoping they enjoyed their break. The instructor mentions their cat, indicating a relaxed and informal environment.

Overview of Korea and the New Dynasty

• Central Theme: Discussion of Korea's new dynasty, specifically focusing on King Tejo's policies and their implications.

King Tejo's Role in Korea

• Founder of Korea and established stability through strategic policies.

Policies Implemented

1. Marriage Alliances:
   • Formed alliances with powerful Azekiric clans known as Hojoks.
   • Result: Gained support from influential families but created power struggles for his descendants.
2. Challenges Faced by Descendants:
   • After Tejo’s death, the descendants had difficulty controlling the Hojoks, independent lords with private armies.

The Fourth King Kwang Zhong

• Kwang Zhong, younger brother of the third king Chongqing, took decisive measures to curb Hojok power.
• Actions Taken:
  • After Chongqing, who was weak and ill, passed the crown to Kwang Zhong instead of his young son, he struggled to protect the boy posthumously.

Major Policies of Kwang Zhong

1. Purging of Nobility:
   • Conducted purges on suspicions of treason, leading to hundreds being executed, including some of his relatives.
2. Promotion of Civil Service Examination:
   • Implemented to weaken the nobility's grip on political positions.
   • Allowed non-noble individuals to enter government, counterbalancing Hojok influence.
3. Slave Review Act of 1956:
   • Addressed the issue of slavery, claiming state authority should determine societal status.
   • Declared unrecognized slave statuses invalid, allowing many to gain freedom, thereby weakening Hojok power substantially.

Consequences of Policies

• Freedom of slaves increased tax revenue as they would now contribute taxes instead of laboring for the Hojoks.
• Increased governmental strength and financial stability.

International Relations of Korea

• Korea navigated a complex geopolitical environment with Liao, Jin, and other powers.
• Initial Refusal to Acknowledge Liao Dynasty:
  • Relationship challenges, leading to a refusal of diplomatic ties, resulting in Liao's invasion of Korea.
• Peace Treaty Following the Conflict:
  • Korea was forced into a peace treaty with the Liao.
  • Subsequent alliances shifted, with Jin proposing alliances against Liao, which led to a betrayal against Song Dynasty.

Diplomatic Strategy

• Korea maintained amicable relationships with both Jin and Song to avoid conflict.
• Ongoing trade relations were critical for economic stability despite rising tensions.

Social Dynamics and Changes in Korea

• Evolution of Korean society with relative social mobility compared to later dynasties.

Societal Status of Women

• Korean women experienced higher status and legal rights than in other dynasties, including property inheritance and divorce rights.

Cultural and Religious Influence

• Buddhism significantly shaped Korean customs, particularly in funeral practices and dining preferences (e.g., emphasis on seafood and fruits).
• Trade along the Silk Road elevated Korea’s status globally, influencing names and perceptions towards Korea (reflected in its name).

Decline of Stability in Koryo Dynasty

• Rising corruption by the 12th century dramatically impacted Korean government.

1. Manipulation of Civil Service Exams:
   • Wealthy families ensured their relatives dominated ranks, undermining the original intent of the exams designed to select talented officials.
2. Power and Wealth Dynamics:
   • Government officials were granted land and material benefits, leading to excessive taxation on commoners and corruption as officials over-exploited resources.

The Rise of the Yi Family

• The Yi family aligned through marriages with the ruling powers to secure influence.
• Gained prominence in court politics, manipulating royal bloodlines to retain power and wealth.

Internal Conflict

• King Injo’s conflicts with the Yi family revealed deep tensions in the aristocracy leading to rebellions fueled by discontent among the military and commoners.

Military and Class Struggles

• Civil officials’ and military officials’ tensions worsened over time, changing social hierarchies.
• Commoners and lower-tier soldiers bearing the brunt of social and political dissatisfaction ultimately led to national upheaval.

Military Coups and Control

• Several military officials staged coups, conflicting leadership dynamics, and resulting in a military dictatorship lasting about sixty years, undermining the monarchy.
• Heavy taxation policies under military rule further alienated commoners and encouraged rebellion.

Internal Rebellion Phenomena

• Rebellions like those led by Joy Chong reflected broader societal unrest challenging the military dictatorship.
• Desire for restoration of ancient kingdoms such as Baekje and Koguryeo indicated a persistent sentiment to revive preexisting cultural identities.

External Threats

• The Mongol Empire emerged as a dominant force, initially maintaining diplomatic relations with Korea, before demanding heavy tributes and showcasing antagonism.

Mongol Invasion of Korea

• Assassination of a Mongol envoy sparked a brutal invasion and prolonged warfare leading to extensive Korean casualties.
• Unexpected unity among commoners and slaves to defend their lands, showcasing a sense of common identity against external threats despite previous discontent with the ruling regime.

Resolution and Peace Negotiations

• Internal dissent in the Mongol Empire led to negotiations with Kublai Khan, producing a brutal peace that imposed heavy tribute and demands on Korea.

Aftermath of Mongol Rule

• Establishment of the Yuan dynasty significantly altered Korean governance.
• Continued resentment amongst the Korean populace led to further civil unrest.

Empress Ki's Influence

• Empress Ki, a Korean woman who rose to power in the Mongol Empire, influenced national politics but fostered resentment among the Korean people due to her family's corruption and failure to advocate for Korea's interests.

Resurgence of Power

• The decline of the Yuan dynasty allowed King Gongmin of Korea to initiate reforms to liberate the nation from Mongol influences.
• Major reforms included eliminating illegal land holdings and freeing slaves to curtail aristocratic power and improve society.

The Rise of Neo-Confucianism

• Neo-Confucian scholars aimed to establish a new governance based on moral and rational principles, reacting against the existing corruption entwined with Buddhism.
• Conflict between Neo-Confucian ideals and existing aristocratic structures sparked progressive proposals for reform and societal supervision.

Conclusion and Continuing Developments

• Ongoing tensions between traditional practices and rising ideologies shaped Korea's political landscape into the future.
• Cultural exchanges continued under Mongol influence despite political grievances.
• The transition to the Joseon Dynasty marked the culmination of these tensions, ultimately emphasizing Neo-Confucianism as the guiding state philosophy.