Korea Bennett 2015

Korea- “The Hermit Kingdom” Why called the Hermit Kingdom? _______________________________________________ By mid 1800s, European imperial powers wanted access much like they did in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and China. China not strong enough to help Forced to sign unequal treaties and great extraterritoriality to foreigners.

Japanese Rule over Korea Competition between Russia, Japan, and China to control Korea. Japan was strongest at the time. 1910- ousts the Choson dynasty and annexed Korea. Annex= add a territory to one’s country.

Japanese Rule Harsh towards Koreans Forced to make changes to serve Japan’s best interests. Forced to build factories, roads, and railroads. Encouraged education Took more than half of Korea’s rice and shipped it to Japan.

Korean Nationalism Koreans bitterly resented Japanese rule. March 1, 1919 held a massive peaceful rally to protest Japanese rule. Japanese killed 2,000 and imprisoned 19,000 others. During WWII Japanese forced Koreans to serve and fight in the war. Forbade Koreans from speaking their own language. Made them take Japanese last names Pg. 381-382

The Two Koreas How did Cold War rivalries affect Korea? What economic progress has South Korea made? What basic goal have North Koreans pursued?

A Divided Land 1945- Koreans celebrate a Japanese defeat in WWII. Hoped to soon gain independence After the war, the U.S. and Soviet Union (allies during WWII) both had troops in Korea. Soviet troops in the North U.S. troops in the South Wanted to ensure Korea got its independence

Cold War Rivalries U.S. and USSR disagreed over what should happen in Eastern Europe and in Asia after WWII. Both had nuclear weapons. U.S. threatened by spread of communism Soviets hated capitalism U.S. still bitter of Russians abandoning in WWI. U.S. policy of containment- do not let communism spread anywhere in the world and it will eventually die out.

38th Parallel Line of latitude separating the Soviet troops and the U.S. troops Was only supposed to be temporarily, until elections could be conducted. Factions form: Soviets back the Korean Communists U.S. backs the non- communist Koreans. By 1948, Korea had officially split into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or North Korea and the Republic of Korea or South Korea.

War in Korea 1950- North Korea launches an all-out attack on South Korea, trying to reunite the country by force. South Korea retreats. North Koreans had been trained and equipped with military supplies from the Soviets. U.S. urges United Nations to take action

U.S. intervention General Douglas MacArthur took command of the UN led coalition that included 15 nations against North Korea. North: helped by China and Soviets South: helped by UN Results Stalemate Armistice- an end to the fighting.

The DMZ Sides agreed to split the peninsula at the 38th parallel or, the “Demilitarized Zone.” 4 million killed in the war. Even more refugees.

South Korea Today Maintains a large army A thriving economy- Kia, Fila, Hyundai, LG, Samsung.

First Government President Syngman Rhee used harsh rule and fear to control people’s lives. Resigns due to democratic protests. Government today restricts human rights to protect itself from North Korea.

Economic Growth Massive aid from U.S. Free market economy Manufactured goods is their leading export Automobiles, textiles, electronics. Rapid industrialization has led to pollution in major cities.

Seoul, South Korea

Social life Most live in cities Confucian principles- respect for elders Most marriages still arranged.

North Korea Today Closed society Communist dictatorship

Kim Il Sung (1948-1994) Built a totalitarian state. Propaganda taught North Koreans to obey the “Great Leader.” Taught and practiced juche- self-reliance Does not trade with other countries. Build up industry for N. Korean use only

Kim Jong Il Made similar reforms as his father Increased manufacturing and industry Standard of living much lower than South Korea

Kim Jong Un- Present

Problems No basic rights for citizens No outside help One party system, command economy Famine Nuclear Weapons Distrust of the South Selling of weapons to terrorist organizations.

North Korea at Night