Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 20:34-21:10

Was Korea already part of Japan?

A question clarifies that Korea remained a distinct kingdom before the war rather than a Japanese possession.

First Sino Japanese WarJapanKorea
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Question

Was Korea already part of Japan in 1894?

Short answer

No. Korea remained a separate kingdom, though China and Japan competed intensely for influence over it.

Notes

Korea remained a distinct kingdom in 1894 rather than part of Japan. Its traditional relationship with Qing China gave Beijing influence and a reason to intervene, but it did not make Korea a Chinese province either. Korea retained its own monarchy and pursued treaties and advisers while trying to balance China, Japan, Russia, the United States, and European powers. Japanese control and annexation belonged to a later stage of imperial expansion.