Chinese troops began withdrawing after the Donghak uprising ended, while additional Japanese reinforcements continued to arrive. Japan presented its demands as a program of Korean reform, but the terms would replace Chinese influence with Japanese control of the army and government. British mediation sought a settlement that preserved trade without war, yet Japan formed a combined fleet and authorized its commander to compel compliance. On 23 July, Japanese troops occupied Seoul, captured Gojong, and installed a friendly government. That government ended Sino-Korean treaties and supplied the invitation Japan used to justify expelling the Qing army.
Chapter · 2:00:19-2:06:46
From reform demands to the seizure of Seoul
Japan kept reinforcing after the rebellion, imposed political demands, seized Seoul, and created the authority it used to expel Chinese forces.