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The political atmosphere in Korea was very violent in the first few decades of the 19th century, as various factions fought for supremacy. The Impact of natural disasters combined with abusive government practices increased the suffering of the peasants. This led to increased unrest and uprising as people opposed the inefficiencies and corruption in the administration. The influence of literati was also rising, gaining both power and influence leading to government bureaucracy. It was in the attempt to rescue the Yi dynasty from a collapse that a Korean Figure, Taewon Gun, came to reign.
Hungston Taewon gun was born Yi Ha-ung in 1820. He was a Korean Imperial Regent, the father of the Korean last ruling Korean King, King Kojong. Taewon became a prince at the age of 20. The death of King Ch’oljong without an heir helped Taewon to place his son on the throne. This made him the de facto leader and is seen as one of the most powerful figures in the YI dynasty.
As the Imperial Regent, Taewon gun was able to balance Korean political factions against one another, to build his political power and establish a strong political party. Most of his domestic policies were beneficial as they generally enlightened the dynasty. He supported the reconstruction of the Kyongbok Palace in Seoul. On the other hand, Taewon re-introduced bureaucratic rule as a way of weakening political factions. He eradicated study centers and suppressed his opponents and critics. Native Catholics and foreign missionaries were persecuted as they were said to be threatening Korea’s traditional religious morals.
Taewon gun heavily opposed foreign nations, turning down a request for Korea to open its doors for commercial and political relations with the West. He called for the expelling of western nations, especially the Americans and French, from Asia countries, as he felt they were a threat to the region. Taewon’s handling of foreign and domestic affairs was always met with a lot of opposition from all directions. The increased expenditure for restructuring and modernizing the Korean Army and the heavy expenses needed for the renovation of Seoul were increasingly becoming a burden to the Korean people. Government officials and literati who were ousted by Taewon gun led major opposition against his Government. This led to the downfall of Taewon Gun’s reign, and he eventually stepped down as the Imperial Regent.
With the retirement of Taewon Gun, Queen Min took over leadership. Most government policies were changed, the Study centers were re-opened and Foreign policies were changed. There was a huge influx of Japanese goods and people which created many problems and war in Korea. Taewon took advantage of the situation and with the help of the Korean Army took over the leadership of the dynasty and attempted to re-introduce his old policies. China would later send its army to help suppress the uprising in Korea as a way of maintaining its influence. Ch’ing Emperor ordered the army to capture Taewon and take him to China. He returned to Korea after three years, without much influence. He died in February 1898.
Works Cited
Korea, History of. Homer B. Hulbert, Clarence Norwood Weems. New York: Routledge Press, 1999.
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