Describe the social hierarchy of traditional Korean society.
Yangban (양반) – Aristocrats
Chungin (중인) – “Middle class” of professional clerks and bureaucrats
Commoners – Farmers, merchants, etc.
Cheonmin (천민) – Despised people
Slaves
What ideas made the Donghak (동학) religion fairly radical in the late Joseon period?
They believed all human beings embodied heaven, and thus that all people—regardless of class or gender—were equal
How did the Donghak rebellion of 1894 contribute to the downfall of the Joseon dynasty?
The uprising was so large the Joseon government requested help from China, which led to Japanese intervention, sparking the Sino-Japanese War..
What poisoned Korean opinions of Japan in 1895?
The murder of Queen Min.
Why is Korea called a “shrimp among whales”?
A US-Japan secret deal: Japan would control Korea, and the US would retain the Philippines.
Why is the Late Joseon era still politically significant?
It shows how foreign influence in domestic politics and military/economic weakness can threaten sovereignty.
What are the three periods of Japanese colonial rule?
Dark Period (1910–1919): Direct rule, repression, and land control
Cultural Policy (1919–1931): Eased restrictions, promotion of Korean business and media
Assimilation & War (1931–1945): Forced labor, military conscription, suppression
Why is the colonial era still relevant to today’s politics?
It shaped Korean national identity, created left-right divisions, and left unresolved issues like collaborators and trauma.
Describe the “secret agreement” in the Taft-Katsura Agreement.
Japan renounced plans to take the US Philippines, while the US agreed that Korea should be controlled by Japan.
Why is the Late Joseon era significant for contemporary Korean politics?
Importance of foreign policy in domestic politics
Need for strength to fend off neighbors
Recognition of Korea’s strategic value
What are the three periods of the Japanese colonial era?
Dark Period – Co-opting elites via land reform; suppression via bureaucracy
Cultural Policy – Softer rule; allowed Korean businesses and newspapers
Assimilation and War – Korea used for war efforts; forced labor and sexual slavery
How is the colonial era significant for contemporary Korean politics?
South Korea is a post-colonial state
Divisions (communist vs. non-communist) shaped post-liberation politics
Nationalism in both Koreas stems from anti-Japanese struggle
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