Korean Provisional Government

Definition

The Korean Provisional Government was an unofficial government formed in 1919 by Korean nationalists in response to Japanese colonial rule. It aimed to establish a democratic government in Korea and gain international recognition for Korea's independence. This government played a crucial role in mobilizing the Korean resistance movement, especially during events like the March 1st Movement, and continued to operate throughout World War II, advocating for Korean sovereignty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Korean Provisional Government was established in Shanghai, China, on April 11, 1919, as a response to Japan's annexation of Korea in 1910.
2. The government sought to gain support from foreign powers and appealed to the Allies during World War I to recognize Korea's right to self-determination.
3. It operated in exile for over three decades and was composed of various political factions, including conservatives, progressives, and socialists.
4. During its existence, the Provisional Government published newspapers and established diplomatic missions to raise awareness about Korea's plight internationally.
5. After Korea's liberation from Japan in 1945, the Provisional Government’s legacy influenced the formation of both North and South Korea's governments.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the Korean Provisional Government influence the March 1st Movement?
  • The establishment of the Korean Provisional Government provided a structured political alternative for nationalists and fueled the momentum of the March 1st Movement. As protests erupted across Korea in 1919, the Provisional Government coordinated efforts to unify various factions and articulate demands for independence. The Movement became a critical moment for raising international awareness of Korean aspirations for self-determination and showcased the Provisional Government’s role as a legitimate representative of the Korean people.
• Discuss the significance of the Korean Provisional Government's activities during World War II in relation to the broader resistance against Japanese occupation.
  • During World War II, the Korean Provisional Government played a pivotal role in mobilizing resistance against Japanese occupation by collaborating with other anti-Japanese groups. It formed alliances with international movements for democracy and sought recognition from Allied powers. The government’s activities helped maintain a sense of national identity among Koreans and contributed to ongoing resistance efforts, laying the groundwork for future movements for independence that emerged after Japan's defeat in 1945.
• Evaluate how the legacy of the Korean Provisional Government shaped post-liberation politics in Korea after World War II.
  • The legacy of the Korean Provisional Government significantly influenced post-liberation politics in both North and South Korea. Its establishment of a republican framework and advocacy for democracy inspired leaders like Syngman Rhee in South Korea, who sought to implement democratic governance. Conversely, factions within North Korea drew on its anti-imperialist stance to legitimize their revolutionary agenda. The varying interpretations of its legacy contributed to ideological divides that defined political developments on the Korean Peninsula in the subsequent Cold War era.

Related terms

March 1st Movement: A significant peaceful protest that began on March 1, 1919, where Koreans demanded independence from Japanese rule, leading to widespread demonstrations and increased national consciousness.

Korean Independence Army: A military organization formed by Korean expatriates and nationalists during the fight against Japanese colonial rule, associated with the Korean Provisional Government and involved in resistance efforts during World War II.

Syngman Rhee: A prominent leader of the Korean Provisional Government who later became the first president of South Korea after the liberation from Japanese rule.