Foreign concessions

Definition

Foreign concessions refer to territories or areas within a country that are controlled by foreign powers, typically established through treaties or agreements. In the context of Korea during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, foreign concessions were significant as they marked the beginning of increased foreign influence and intervention in Korean affairs, especially by Western powers and Japan.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The establishment of foreign concessions in Korea began with the Treaty of Ganghwa in 1876, which allowed Japan to open several Korean ports to trade.
2. Following the Treaty of Ganghwa, other foreign powers, including the United States and European nations, negotiated similar treaties that resulted in additional concessions in Korean territory.
3. Foreign concessions often led to extraterritoriality, meaning that foreigners living in these areas were subject to their own laws rather than Korean law.
4. The presence of foreign concessions created economic opportunities but also sparked resistance among Koreans who viewed it as an infringement on national sovereignty.
5. The competition among foreign powers for influence in Korea intensified during this period, ultimately contributing to the events leading up to Korea's annexation by Japan in 1910.

Review Questions

• How did foreign concessions impact Korea's sovereignty during the late 19th century?
  • Foreign concessions significantly undermined Korea's sovereignty as they allowed foreign powers to exert control over specific territories and influence Korean governance. The extraterritorial rights granted to foreigners meant that they were not held accountable under Korean law, leading to a perception of weakened authority and national pride among Koreans. This growing resentment contributed to a nationalist movement aimed at restoring Korea's independence.
• Analyze the consequences of the Treaty of Ganghwa on Korea's relationship with Japan and other foreign powers.
  • The Treaty of Ganghwa had profound consequences for Korea's relationship with Japan, marking Japan’s entry as a dominant force in Korean affairs. It not only facilitated Japan's economic penetration through trade but also set a precedent for future unequal treaties with other nations. This led to a series of concessions that expanded Japan's influence while prompting other Western powers to seek similar advantages, resulting in a complex web of foreign interests that ultimately jeopardized Korea's autonomy.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of foreign concessions on the trajectory of Korean history into the 20th century.
  • The long-term effects of foreign concessions set a dangerous precedent that shaped Korea's trajectory into the 20th century. As multiple foreign powers established footholds in Korea, this fragmentation weakened national unity and resistance against external control. Ultimately, these concessions laid the groundwork for Japan’s aggressive imperial ambitions, leading to Korea's annexation in 1910. The legacy of foreign intervention continues to impact Korea's historical narrative and its modern identity.

Related terms

Treaty of Ganghwa: An 1876 treaty between Japan and Korea that forced Korea to open its ports to Japanese trade, marking the start of foreign concessions in Korea.

Unequal Treaties: Agreements imposed on Asian countries by Western powers that favored the interests of the foreign powers, often leading to territorial concessions and loss of sovereignty.

Open Door Policy: A diplomatic policy that aimed to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in a specific region, preventing any one nation from monopolizing trade.