Korean Independence
My topic for this mini-assignment is the March First Movement. Beginning March 1st 1919 as an homage to a late emperor, this movement was a series of over 1500 demonstrations against Japan's colonial rule on Korea. It was set into motion by 33 Korean cultural and religious leaders who, after 10 years under Japanese rule, wrote a Proclamation of Independence in order to bring international attention to their condition and put pressure on Japan to end its colonial rule. Although the protests began in the capital city of Seoul, it quickly spread across the country, making these the largest national protest rallies against foreign domination in Korean history.
Lasting Effects
Although the March First Movement was ultimately unsuccessful in its goal for national independence, its effects continue on today. In terms of immediate effects, the movement strengthened Korea's sense of national unity, especially in uniting against Japan. It also led to the rise of the Korean communist party. Still today the movement is celebrated nationwide, as both North and South Korea continue to celebrate March 1st as a national holiday.
Wow, this is a very big movement and I am disappointed to say I had never known anything about it. Truthfully, I did not even know about how massive Japan's colonial rule was. It is amazing how demonstrations such as the March First Movement can have such a long lasting impact into creating a sense of culture and unity in Korea.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find most interesting about this is that both North Korea and South Korea still celebrate March 1st as a national holiday. I think that this really illustrates how much national unity this movement really created.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting movement and Korean act of defiance against Japan. The fact that March 1st is a national holiday in both North and South Korea illustrates the pride Koreans have in their country.
ReplyDeleteI think it's really cool how both sides of Korea despite their conflicts and tension still continue to celebrate this same national holiday! I'm curious though, when you say it led to the rise of the Korean communist party, did this same party lead into the government that created the DPRK?
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