Class 11 History Notes: The Story of Korea

The Story of Korea Class 11 Notes: CBSE Class 11 History Notes are important for students studying Social Science, as History is a crucial sub-subject that requires properly written answers. Scoring well in History is just as important as other subjects.

Our notes cover all the concepts related to the Story of Taiwan, the French Revolution, Globalisation, and Imperialism, which have had a significant impact on our society. These notes are designed to make difficult topics easy to understand for students. By using these notes, students can improve their chances of getting higher marks in their History exams.

Class 11 History Notes: The Story of Korea

The Story of Korea

Beginning of Modernisation

During the late 19th century, Korea, under the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), faced internal political and social issues along with pressures from China, Japan, and the West.

In 1910, Japan annexed Korea, leading to resentment among the Korean people. They demanded independence forming a provisional government and protesting colonial rule in international conferences like Yalta, Cairo, and Potsdam.

After Japan’s defeat in August 1945, the Korean Peninsula was divided along the 38th parallel. The Soviet Union managed the North, and the UN managed the South. This division became permanent, with separate governments established in 1948 for both North and South Korea.

A Post-War Nation

In June 1950, the Korean War erupted, dividing the country into North and South. South Korea received support from the US-led United Nations, while North Korea was backed by communist China, marking the beginning of the Cold War era.

In July 1953, the war ended with an armistice agreement, but it left behind massive loss of life and property, delaying economic development and democratization. South Korea faced economic challenges, relying on assistance from the USA.

President Syngman Rhee, elected democratically in 1948, extended his tenure through illegal constitutional amendments. In April 1960, the April Revolution saw protests against Rhee’s administration, leading to his resignation.

Following Rhee’s resignation, the Democratic Party took power, ushering in a period of reform and growing student movements. In May 1961, General Park Chung-Hee and military authorities overthrew the Democratic Party government, leading to further political upheaval.

Rapid Industrialization under Strong Leadership

In October 1963, Park Chung-hee, the leader of a military coup, was elected as South Korea’s president. His administration adopted a state-led, export-oriented policy aimed at achieving economic growth. This policy favored large corporate firms, aimed at expanding employment, and enhancing Korea’s competitiveness, steering away from import substitution industrialization (ISI) towards export promotion.

Under this new policy, the government supported labor-intensive light industrial products like textiles and garments. Later, in the late 1960s and 1970s, the focus shifted to value-added heavy and chemical industries like steel, machinery, electronics, and chemicals, identified as crucial for economic growth. In 1970, the New Village (Saemaul) Movement was launched to modernize rural areas and improve living conditions, empowering rural communities.

South Korea’s economic success was driven by strong leadership, skilled bureaucrats, ambitious industrialists, and a capable labor force. The country’s high literacy rate and open economic policies facilitated the absorption of advanced technologies from other countries. Foreign investment and high domestic savings rates further fueled economic development.

Continued Economic Growth and calls for Democratisation

After the death of Park Chung-hee in 1979, the call for democratisation intensified in South Korea. However, in December of that year, Chun Doo-hwan orchestrated another military coup. In response, citizens and students staged protests across the country in May 1980, demanding democracy despite Chun’s military rule. These demonstrations were met with suppression as martial law was imposed nationwide.

In Gwangju, however, protesters persisted, leading to the Gwangju Democratisation Movement. Despite their efforts, Chun’s regime quashed the protests. Later in 1980, Chun assumed the presidency through an indirect election under the Yusin Constitution.

Chun’s administration aimed to suppress democratisation efforts to maintain stability. Yet, propelled by a global economic upturn, Chun achieved remarkable economic growth, boosting GDP from 1.7% in 1980 to 13.2% by 1983, along with curbing inflation. This economic progress spurred urbanisation, enhanced education, and media advancements, fostering political consciousness among citizens who demanded a constitutional amendment for direct presidential elections.

In May 1987, revelations of the Chun administration’s cover-up of a university student’s death by torture sparked the June Democracy Movement, a widespread struggle for democratisation involving students and the middle class. Consequently, Chun was compelled to amend the constitution, ushering in a new era of direct elections and evolving Korean democracy.

Korean Democracy and the IMF Crisis

Following the enactment of the new constitution, South Korea held its first direct presidential election in December 1987. Roh Tae-woo, a military figure from Chun’s administration, won the election. In 1990, veteran opposition leader Kim Young-sam struck a compromise with Roh’s party, forming a unified ruling party.

In December 1992, Kim, a civilian, secured the presidency after decades of military rule. With government backing, Korean conglomerates invested in capital-intensive heavy industries and electronics. However, pressure to liberalize the market prompted South Korea to join the OECD in 1996, enhancing its global competitiveness.

Despite economic advancements, poor financial management led to a foreign currency crisis in 1997, mitigated by emergency IMF aid. Korean citizens actively participated in repaying foreign loans through the Gold Collection Movement.

In December 1997, long-time opposition figure Kim Dae-jung won the presidency. In 2008, conservative Lee Myung-bak took office as president. In 2012, conservative Park Geun-hye, daughter of Park Chung-hee, became South Korea’s first female president.

However, in March 2017, Park was impeached and removed from office. Moon Jae-in won the subsequent presidential election in May 2017. The candlelight protests of 2016, which called for Park’s resignation, showcased Korean democracy’s maturity and heightened citizens’ political consciousness, fostering republicanism in the country.

Two roads of Modernization

Industrial societies far from becoming like each other have found their own paths to becoming modern.

Japan

Japan’s journey towards modernization was unique, allowing it to preserve its independence while integrating traditional practices with new approaches. Amidst Western imperial dominance, Japan both emulated and innovated, creating its own solutions. For example, the Meiji school system, inspired by Western models, emphasized the cultivation of loyal citizens, with compulsory moral education emphasizing allegiance to the emperor.

China

Contrary to Japan, China pursued a distinct path to modernization, marked by a rejection of tradition and a focus on national unity and strength. In the 19th and 20th centuries, there was a deliberate effort to break away from traditional practices perceived as hindrances to progress and development. The Communist Party of China (CCP) spearheaded this movement, aiming to eradicate traditional norms seen as impediments to economic growth. While China has achieved remarkable economic success through market reforms, its political system remains tightly controlled by the CCP.

FAQs on The Story of Korea

What was the Joseon Dynasty and when did it rule Korea?

The Joseon Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in Korea that lasted from 1392 to 1910.

What were some of the challenges faced by Korea during the late 19th century?

Korea faced internal political and social strife, as well as increasing pressure from foreign powers such as China, Japan, and Western countries.

What actions did the Korean people take to resist Japanese colonial rule?

The Korean people demonstrated against colonial rule, set up a provisional government, and appealed to foreign leaders at international conferences like the Cairo, Yalta, and Potsdam conferences.

When did Japan’s colonial rule end in Korea, and how did Korea achieve independence?

Japan’s colonial rule in Korea ended in August 1945 after Japan’s defeat in World War II. Korea achieved independence through the continued efforts of independence activists both inside and outside the country.