The Nature of Japanese Annexation and its Political Effects
- Japan formally annexed Korea in 1910 after years of influence following the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) and the Eulsa Treaty (1905), which made Korea a protectorate.
- Korea’s monarchy was abolished; the Korean emperor was forced to abdicate, and the country was ruled by a Japanese Governor-General with absolute authority.
- Japanese authorities imposed political repression, banning Korean newspapers, organizations, and schools that promoted nationalism.
- The March First Movement (1919) became a nationwide protest demanding independence; it was suppressed by force, leaving thousands dead.
- The Japanese colonial government later adopted a policy of “cultural rule” (from 1920), allowing limited expression but continuing surveillance and censorship.
Definition
Eulsa Treaty (1905)
Agreement making Korea a Japanese protectorate before full annexation.
Definition
Russo-Japanese War
Fought between the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan over rival imperial ambitions in Manchuria and the Korean Empire.
The Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905)
Causes and Course of the War
- The Russo-Japanese War began over control of Manchuria and Korea, two regions both countries wanted to dominate for their natural resources and strategic ports.
- After defeating China in 1895, Japan gained influence in Korea, but Russia blocked Japanese ambitions by occupying Port Arthur and expanding the Trans-Siberian Railway into Manchuria.
- Japan tried to negotiate a deal giving Russia control over Manchuria in exchange for recognition of Japan’s rights in Korea, but Russia refused.
- In February 1904, Japan launched a surprise attack on the Russian fleet at Port Arthur, beginning the war.
- The Japanese army and navy won a series of battles, including Mukden (1905) on land and Tsushima Strait (1905) at sea, where Japan destroyed most of Russia’s navy.
Consequences and Significance
- The Treaty of Portsmouth (1905), brokered by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, ended the war. Japan gained control of Port Arthur, parts of Manchuria, and recognized influence in Korea.
- The victory shocked the world: it was the first time an Asian power defeated a European empire, proving that modernization could rival Western imperialism.
- Japan’s success increased its confidence and desire for imperial expansion, leading to the annexation of Korea (1910).
- Russia’s defeat caused political unrest at home, contributing to the 1905 Russian Revolution.
- In Korea and China, Japan’s victory inspired both nationalist movements (seeking independence) and fear of Japanese dominance.
The Impact of the Sino-Japanese War and Wartime Mobilization (1937–1945)
- During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), Korea was transformed into a militarized colony supporting Japan’s war effort.
