General Sherman Incident

Definition

The General Sherman Incident refers to the destruction of the American merchant ship General Sherman by Korean forces in 1866, which occurred as tensions rose between Korea and Western powers. This event marked a significant moment in the opening of Korea to the West, highlighting both the resistance of Korea to foreign influence and the increasing presence of Western nations in East Asia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The General Sherman was an American merchant ship that sailed into Korean waters in an attempt to establish trade relations, but it was met with hostility by local authorities.
2. In response to the perceived intrusion, Korean forces set the General Sherman ablaze, leading to a violent confrontation that resulted in the deaths of crew members.
3. The incident prompted a military expedition by the United States in 1871, which aimed to retaliate against Korea and assert American interests in the region.
4. The General Sherman Incident is often seen as a catalyst for increased Western intervention in Korea and contributed to a series of events that led to the signing of treaties favoring foreign powers.
5. This event highlighted the stark contrast between Western imperial ambitions and Korean resistance, showcasing Korea's desire to maintain sovereignty against foreign encroachments.

Review Questions

• How did the General Sherman Incident reflect Korea's attitude towards foreign influence during the mid-19th century?
  • The General Sherman Incident showcased Korea's strong resistance to foreign influence, as local authorities viewed the American merchant ship as an intrusion into their waters. The decision to destroy the ship reflected a broader sentiment within Korea during this period, where there was a desire to protect sovereignty and avoid being dominated by foreign powers. This incident not only emphasized Korea's determination but also set the stage for future confrontations with Western nations.
• Discuss the consequences of the General Sherman Incident on U.S.-Korea relations in subsequent years.
  • Following the General Sherman Incident, U.S.-Korea relations were significantly impacted as it led to a military expedition in 1871 aimed at retaliating against Korean forces. This expedition resulted in further violence and highlighted the power imbalance between the two nations. The incident ultimately contributed to establishing treaties that favored U.S. interests and facilitated increased American involvement in Korean affairs, setting a precedent for future foreign interactions.
• Evaluate how the General Sherman Incident fits into the broader narrative of Western imperialism in Asia during the 19th century.
  • The General Sherman Incident exemplifies the broader narrative of Western imperialism in Asia by illustrating how Western powers sought to expand their influence through trade and military might. The incident highlighted both the aggressive nature of Western expansionist policies and the responses from Asian nations attempting to resist such encroachments. It serves as a critical moment that foreshadowed further imperial endeavors in Korea and elsewhere in Asia, revealing the complex interplay of power dynamics that characterized this era of global history.

Related terms

Treaty of Ganghwa: A treaty signed in 1876 that established diplomatic relations between Japan and Korea, paving the way for further foreign interventions and influence in Korea.

Korean Empire: The period following the establishment of the Korean Empire in 1897 when Korea sought to assert its sovereignty amid increasing foreign pressures from Japan, China, and Western nations.

Western Imperialism: A historical period characterized by the expansion of Western powers into Asia, Africa, and the Americas, often leading to conflicts and changes in local governance and society.