1. Korea- Culture and History Pottery finds indicate that Humans were in the Korean Peninsula since at least 8,000BCE, and probably much further back. The first known kingdom in Korea (Gojoseon) was founded in 2,333BCE

2. Medieval Korea Splits into smaller kingdoms, usually with a northern kingdom (including Manchuria in China) and southern (which controlled the Peninsula. 500-600s, Neo- Confucianism and Buddhism are introduced.

3. Japanese invasion 1500s Two attempts are made by Japan to invade and conquer Korea– both are fought off with Chinese assistance. Chinese invade in 1627. 1800s, the Korean kingdom attempted to close all borders but to China. In 1866, Koreans rise against Catholic missionaries.

4. Korea out of isolation 1866- Americans arrive and attempt to open ports– The General Sherman Incident. A U.S. Gunship was sunk by Korean. 1876- Japan and Korea sign a trade agreement, opening Korean ports to Japanese trade. 1882- Signed a trade treaty with the U.S. 1897- Korean Empire declared, but passes under Russian influence.

5. Korea’s Observation of the Opium Wars Opium Wars: Also known as the Anglo-Chinese Wars 1 st Opium war: 1839-1842 2 nd Opium War: 1856-1860 British imported opium from its colonies in India. With the draining of silver and a growing number of opium addiction, China confiscates all opium and seizes all trade with Britain. Britain comes back with a military expeditionary forces and reopens trade (especially opium). Korea wants to remain isolated.

6. 1905- Coming of the Japanese 1905- Japan invades Korea during the Russo-Japanese War. Annexes Korea to the Japanese Empire in 1910 and rules it as part of Japan until 1945. Korea suffers under Japanese rule, as Korean culture is suppressed and Japanese imposed.

7. After WWII- Cold War Korea Korea is divided into a Russian-controlled North Korea (and a Communist government) and an American- occupied South Korea (with a US supported government) June 1950- North Korea (possibly at the orders of Stalin) invades South Korea; USA and UN intervene and send troops.

8. Korean War UN backed South Korea invades the North and pushes Communist forces to the Yalu River China intervenes; 100,000 Chinese troops drive UN forces back into South Korea. Ceasefire, 1954- both sides agree to sit for a Peace Treaty. It has never been signed.

9. Modern South Korea Has emerged as a high tech industrial giant. One of the Asian “Tigers” of modern industry. South Koreans are some of the most “connected” people on Earth- the most computers and cell phones/ person. Home to large conglomerate companies known as Chaebol

10. The North Korean Tower- a symbol of Communist failure

11. Modern North Korea Is ruled by the dictatorial Kim Dynasty of Communist Party rulers. Command economy is a failure; famine is common, the economy is near collapse (as of 2012). Developed nuclear weapons, 2006. One of the last totalitarian states on Earth. Ended the Armistice Agreement of 1953 on 03/10/13

12. Is N. Korea a Threat?