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Why did the March 1st Movement become a turning point in the Korean independence movement?
In the 1920s, the desire for national independence was in full swing on the Korean Peninsula, and a protest called the "March 1st Movement" eventually became a turning point in the history of the Korean independence movement. This movement not only brought together the power of tens of thousands of people in the country, but also aroused global attention and support for Korean independence. Shortly after the March 1st Movement, it led to the establishment of a provisional government. This article will explore the background, process and consequences of the March 1st Movement and review how it laid the foundation for the Korean independence movement.
Background and causes
From 1910 to 1945, Korea was a colony of Japan. During this period, various independent organizations emerged one after another, but they lacked effective cooperation and unity. In January 1919, rumors that Emperor Gojong had been poisoned sparked widespread outrage and became the spark for the March 1st Movement.
In the March 1 demonstration, 3.1 million people took to the streets to protest against Japanese rule, which was seen as a strong act of national consciousness in Korean history at that time.
The Development of the March 1st Movement
On March 1, 1919, hundreds of thousands of people gathered to mourn Gojong's funeral and hold protests. During this grand demonstration, the people shouted slogans longing for independence and remained unyielding in the face of suppression by the Japanese police. At the center of the movement were 33 people who signed the Declaration of Independence, but were immediately arrested. This incident attracted the attention of the international community and attracted attention from all walks of life to the Korean independence movement.
Establishment of the Provisional Government
Following the March 1st Movement, the Korean Provisional Government was established in Shanghai on April 11, 1919. This government became a symbol of Korean independence and resistance, and its members included Ahn Chang-ho, the leader of the Korean National Association at the time, and Syng-man Rhee. They formulated the "Provisional Constitution", established a government system with the presidency as its core, and divided the government into three branches: legislative, executive and judicial.
The establishment of the provisional government marked the formal organization of the Korean independence movement and provided a platform for the integration and collaboration of various independence movement forces.
The Impact of the March First Movement
The March 1st Movement and the subsequent establishment of a provisional government were not only domestic changes, but also paved the way for South Korea to gain international support. With the recognition of the right to self-determination by major countries in the world, especially the concept of national self-determination advocated by President Wilson, South Korea's independence demands began to gain international support.
International assistance and follow-up actions
After many efforts, Korean representatives petitioned for independence at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. Although not officially recognized, the move has made calls for South Korean independence louder around the world. Diplomatic contacts between the Provisional Government and various governments enabled Korea's independence movement to remain vibrant in the 1930s and to gain military and economic support from all sides during World War II.
Conclusion
The March 1st Movement became a turning point in the Korean independence movement not only because it sparked nationwide participation and awakening, but also because it promoted global recognition of Korean independence. This movement not only shaped the subsequent provisional government, but also left a profound impact on Korean history. History tells us that national independence and dignity are the result of continuous struggles of generations. So, how should we view the current national and national spirit today?
