USS South America

Definition

The USS South America was a United States Navy warship that played a pivotal role during the period when Korea was opening up to Western influence in the late 19th century. Its presence in East Asian waters represented America's growing interest in the region and its commitment to protecting American interests, particularly in trade and diplomacy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The USS South America was involved in diplomatic missions aimed at securing trade agreements and establishing a foothold for American interests in Korea.
2. The presence of American warships like the USS South America signified U.S. military readiness and deterrence against competing powers such as Japan and Russia.
3. During this period, the U.S. Navy sought to expand its influence in Asia, reflecting a broader trend of imperialism and competition among Western powers.
4. The USS South America's activities coincided with significant events like the Treaty of Kanghwa, which facilitated foreign access to Korean markets.
5. This naval engagement laid the groundwork for future American involvement in Korean affairs, which would eventually lead to more direct intervention in the early 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the USS South America symbolize the United States' expanding influence in East Asia during Korea's opening to the West?
  • The USS South America symbolized the United States' expanding influence as it represented America's military presence and commitment to protecting its interests in East Asia. By deploying naval vessels like the USS South America, the U.S. showcased its willingness to engage diplomatically and militarily in a region increasingly dominated by European powers and Japan. This military posture helped establish the U.S. as a key player in East Asian affairs during a transformative period for Korea.
• Discuss the impact of the USS South America’s diplomatic missions on Korea’s relationship with foreign powers.
  • The diplomatic missions conducted by the USS South America were significant in shaping Korea's relationships with foreign powers, particularly as they highlighted Korea's vulnerability to external pressures. The presence of an American warship urged Korean leaders to engage with Western nations for trade and diplomacy, especially following events like the Treaty of Kanghwa. This interaction set a precedent for Korea's future foreign relations and increased its reliance on foreign powers, ultimately influencing its sovereignty and political landscape.
• Evaluate how the activities of the USS South America during this era foreshadowed future U.S. involvement in Korea throughout the 20th century.
  • The activities of the USS South America during Korea's opening to the West foreshadowed future U.S. involvement by establishing a pattern of military engagement that would continue into the 20th century. The ship's diplomatic missions laid foundational ties between Korea and the United States, signaling America's intent to influence Korean affairs. As Korea faced increasing pressures from neighboring countries, including Japan and later during World War II, the precedent set by earlier U.S. naval actions would culminate in significant military and political engagement during pivotal moments like the Korean War.

Related terms

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

Commodore Matthew Perry: A U.S. naval officer who is best known for leading the expedition that opened Japan to the West in 1853-1854, showcasing the impact of naval power on international relations in East Asia.

Sino-Japanese War: A conflict between China and Japan from 1894 to 1895 that led to the emergence of Japan as a major world power and significantly altered the balance of power in East Asia.