On the Korean Peninsula and the surrounding islands is the region known as Korea. Since the Middle Ages (XII century), Korea has been a single state, and there were no prerequisites for its division.
However, the 20th century is the time of confrontation between the two most powerful superpowers: the USA and the USSR. This confrontation was not expressed in open confrontation, there was a struggle of ideologies. The two camps fought for spheres of influence by creating their puppet governments, not even shying away from unleashing wars, of course, in foreign territories.
The story of the separation of Korea and its people is the story of what happens if all means are good to achieve the goal.
The history of the emergence of a single state
Starting from the 7th century AD, the Korean people have come a long and thorny path of building their own statehood.
His history is conditionally divided into three periods and given the following periodization:
- unified Silla period (VII-X centuries);
- Goryeo period (X-XIV centuries);
- Joseon era (XIV-early XX century).
At the beginning of the 19th century, Korea was a monarchical country with a strict isolationist policy, but nevertheless was under the control of China.
Everything suited the Korean monarchy: there was a huge property gap between different segments of the population in the country. The existing feudal relations in society hampered the development of capitalism.
Life under the protectorate of Japan
The situation changed after 1895, when China lost its influence over Korea after the war with Japan. But, the Land of the Rising Sun triumphantly broke into this region and began to impose not only culture, but also control economic life.
Korea has actually become a Japanese colony, and Koreans are divided into two camps: supporters of national independence and "Minjok Kaejoron" (Koreans who approve of the lifestyle imposed by the Japanese). However, Japan did not stand on ceremony with its colony. The army and police successfully suppressed any outbreaks of discontent.
Religion, culture and language were imposed. The opposition, led by Lee Seung-man, had to emigrate from the country and, having organized militant groups, fight against the Japanese.
What was Korea like in the middle of the 20th century
On the one hand, there were no prerequisites for the division of Korea. Indeed, the Koreans are one people with a common historical and spiritual heritage, close economic ties. But this is only at first glance.
The history of the separation of North and South Korea originates in the differences in the economic development of different regions of the country. The north has traditionally been industrial, while the southcountry - agricultural.
It is necessary to remember one more interesting historical condition. We are talking about the political elite. It was formed mainly from representatives of the capital's beau monde and immigrants from South Korea. These differences played a certain negative role in the division of the country. However, even these factors were not key.
The story of the separation of North and South Korea begins after the defeat of Japan and its colonies in World War II.
38 Parallel
Freedom was brought by Soviet and American soldiers on their bayonets. Koreans looked to the future with hope. However, in practice it turned out that the world superpowers have their own plans for Korea. The United States was the first to propose the introduction of guardianship. It was assumed that this measure would contribute to the optimal development of ways for the formation of "independence" of Korea. The Americans really wanted to get Seoul, so the division of Korea and the delimitation of the area of responsibility were carried out along the 38th parallel.
This agreement was reached in August 1945. In fact, the USSR and the USA at that time were not ready to give independence to the former colony of Japan because of fears of strengthening the positions of their political competitors in this region. Having thus created zones of responsibility, the victorious countries divided Korea into northern and southern parts. And now they had to decide what they were going to create in the territories they controlled. All this took place in an atmosphere of mutual hostility and distrust.
Designing the division of Korea into northern and southern parts
In 1946, the USSR decided. It was decided to create a friendly socialist state in the north of the country. And this was dictated by the historical realities of that time. Initially, the division of Korea into areas of responsibility was dictated by purely military expediency: it was necessary to quickly and effectively disarm the Japanese army. But the activation of nationalists and right-wing radicals in the north of the country very quickly made it clear to the Soviet leadership where the wind was blowing, and who was again trying to kindle the fire of war. Therefore, the nationalists were mercilessly suppressed.
In the south, on the contrary, there was a reverent attitude towards right-wing radicals. Those, in turn, gave the necessary guarantees of loy alty to their American masters.
The USSR did not allow the UN to hold general elections in the country and did not even let a special commission into the territory under its control.
The 1948 elections and the appearance on the political map of two different states, such as the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, made the division of the people of the once united country a reality.
The final division of Korea into northern and southern parts in the hearts of the Koreans themselves became possible thanks to the military adventure of Kim Il Sung. Because of the actions of this politician, the Soviet Union was unwittingly drawn into this conflict. His support consisted of providing military technical assistance and sending his military specialists as advisers.
Americanswere able to defend the south of the country, but the division of Korea and the split of one people became a problem that has not been resolved even now.
Conclusion
Recently, the world community has increasingly expressed concern about the actions and general rhetoric of the political leadership of North Korea. Demonstrative, mostly unsuccessful missile launches, as well as the great desire of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to further develop its nuclear program do not add optimism. The division of Korea has given rise to global problems, on the solution of which the entire human civilization may depend.
