The Rise of the Imperial Power in Korea

Bruce Cummings: In the 19th century in Asia, Japan was a shining beacon of enlightenment. He says for other Asians, it was a mecca of progress. For Koreans who had grown under the yoke of an aristocracy that seemed to only do exact more privilege for itself, the reforms were a welcome antidote. Cummings: After several years waiting for Korea's power elite to collapse, Japan officially seized Korea.