Independence

     When Korea gained its independence in 1945, it was relatively easy. After Japan lost WWII they had no military power left to hold onto Korea, and the UN decided to step in a help server Korea from its Japanese leaders. The Korean’s couldn’t have been luckier since otherwise their might have been a deadly revolution, or they would have just stayed a part of Japan. South Korea’s independence became official on August 15^th, 1945; just 5 days after the 40^th anniversary of their joining Japan. After South Korea became independent they were under the protection of the UN and as such were never recolonized by a separate country. If you want to see what South Korea looks like today, just scroll down!

The Colonial Experience

     While under Japanese rule, South Koreans were treated realtivley fairly, and the Japanese government would only step in when they needed to. At times the Japanese would have to censor Korean news to stop slander from being released to the public. But even during moments of stress towards the Japanese government, they managed to reform the education system in Korea bringing a new ago of learning and science to the country. However all classes were primarily about Japan, and taught in Japanese. If a student wanted to learn Korean was still offered as an elective. After Japan’s reign in Korea ended, the generations of people that they educated became known as, “the core of the postwar political and economic elite.”

Initial Conquest

      South Korea was initially conquered by Japan in 1905, and with the signing of the Eulsa Treaty Japanese citizens started to move to Korea. However it wasn’t until 1910 with the signing of the Annexation treaty that they were officially annexed into Japan. Japan’s takeover was relatively painless for Korea since very little blood was shed. Japan used a trade blockade to force Korea to allow Japanese citizens to settle in Korea. After the signing of the Eulsa Treaty three Korean ports opened to the trade of Japanese boats, and even after their decolonization in 1945 they stayed on peaceful terms with Japan. To see an official Japanese map while Korea was under their control, scroll down!

Check out the territories that Japan invaded; including South Korea!