Korea Rebellion Research Paper

At the dawn of the 20th century, Korea experienced dramatic transformations in countless aspects such as politics, economy, and international affairs. Under the imperialist Japan’s coercion to adopt the Kanghwa Treaty, Korea had no choice but to open its doors to the outside world in February 1876. Behind this seemingly profitable arrangement for Korea lied Japan’s intention to take absolute control over its colony. Although the treaty provided Korean merchants with an open access to the global market, the exposure to international community caused more of harm than benefit. Korea was not simply prepared to make decisive judgement to take advantage of such exposure. “For centuries, the Korean peninsula had been largely isolated from the external …show more content…
During the same time period, the local Korean government officials were using their power to collect an enormous amount of taxes and fees from the Korean farmers, increasing the rate of poverty among the farmers and other low-income citizens. These events eventually led a group of farmers to gather to fight against its government by forming its own army, which is now known as the Tonghak Rebellion of 1894. The rebellion, which initially started in one region of Korea, rapidly spread to other parts of the country and grew stronger to even threaten the loyalties of Korea. The members of the rebellion group violently demanded the local governments and the parliament to recognize their rights as citizens of Korea (Robinson …show more content…
Formed in spring of 1896, Independence club was led by Philip Jaesohn, who received medical education in the United States before returning to Korea (Robinson 23). While the loyal family of Korea even including King Kojong fled to Russia for their safety after the assassination of Queen Min by the Japanese samurais, and majority of parliament members of Korea siding with the Japan after the assassination of prominent officials as Kim Hongjip and O Yunjung, Philip Jaesohn and other members formed the private organization with the support from the soviets “to discuss policy issues and reform proposals” (Robinson23). By encouraging ordinary citizens to participate in politics through the establishments of Korean-English bilingual newspaper called the “Independent” (Tongnip Singmun) for public education and the holdings of public forums, Independence club was able to successfully motivate Koreans into the new insight of looking into government policy and governmental decisions at least for a short period of time (Mandela 122). The early 20th century not only exposed Korea into the international community, yet it also allowed Korea to receive influences from the other countries such as the democratic policies introduced by the Independence club. In 1897, Independence club was able to bring