Empire 172. The Birth of North Korea
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Jul 29, 2024 
Paul Thomas Chamberlin, an Associate Professor of History at Columbia University and author of "The Cold War's Killing Fields," dives into the tumultuous history of the Korean Peninsula. He discusses Korea's transformation from a unified nation during Japanese occupation to its division post-World War II. The rivalry between figures like Syngman Rhee and Kim Il-sung is explored, highlighting how their contrasting ideologies shaped North and South Korea. Chamberlin also examines the Cold War's influence on Korean nationalism, revealing the complexities that led to ongoing tensions.
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Japan's Rise
- The Russo-Japanese War (1895) marked Japan's rise, shocking Westerners.
- Japan's defeat of Russia had global repercussions, even impacting India and the Ottoman world.
US Policy in Korea
- The US recognized Korea's independence but prioritized influence in the Philippines.
- This concession led to increasing Japanese influence and modernization in Korea.
Japanese Colonization of Korea
- Japan annexed Korea in 1910 under the guise of civilizing it, suppressing Korean culture.
- Koreans were forced to adopt Japanese names, and their language was repressed.
