Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 347 - The Shinmiyangyo Incident ft. The Worst of All Possible Worlds
Jan 27, 2025
Brian and Josh, co-hosts of The Worst of All Possible Worlds, explore the bizarre Shinmiyangyo incident where the U.S. tried to force Korea open in 1871. They unravel the miscommunication that led to chaos, featuring drunken crew antics, bizarre translation mistakes, and a disastrous military engagement. The discussion highlights the clash of cultures, the U.S. struggle against a tenacious Korean defense, and the long-term consequences that followed. Expect humor and insightful commentary on a little-known chapter of American imperialism!
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General Sherman Provokes Disaster
- The privately outfitted merchant ship SS General Sherman sailed into the Taedong River with guns, a Mandarin-speaking missionary translator, and British-supplied cargo.
- The crew ignored repeated Korean warnings, preached Bibles in English, and provoked local hostility that culminated in their destruction.
Gunboat Diplomacy Was Intentional Policy
- President Ulysses S. Grant backed gunboat diplomacy and ordered a squadron to pressure Korea after the Sherman incident.
- The U.S. mission aimed to force concessions while asserting power to China and Korea rather than genuinely negotiate trade.
Survey Turned Pretext For Attack
- U.S. survey launches mapped Ganghwa approaches and drew warning fire from Korean forts, which the Americans framed as an unprovoked attack.
- Ambassador Frederick Low used the bombardment as a pretext to demand apologies and concessions, pressuring Korea militarily.