The Pros And Cons Of The Japan-Korea Treaty Of Amity

Unsuccessful in invading Korea during the late sixteenth century, the Meiji Restoration nearly three centuries later allowed Japan to finally interfere in Korean affairs. With the strong desire to export manufactured goods and possession of effective Western military technology due to the rapid modernization, Japan was able to extend its influence in Korea through the forced Japan-Korea Treaty. Also known as the Japan-Korea Treaty of Amity or the Treaty of Ganghwa Island, the document was forcibly signed by Korea in 1876. It gave Japan numerous privileges and advantages such as the access to three ports for exports, the cancellation of any restrictions on Japanese trade, and the removal of Korea from China as a tributary state. Not only were
economic rights granted, but also political benefits as Japanese citizens could not be arrested or tried in Korean courts. Along with the treaty, the government was briefly overthrown in a coup d’etat in 1884, indicating success in Japan’s growing Asian empire. Despite a counter-coup supported by Chinese troops that took place against the new government, the weakness of Korea could not prevent foreign powers from taking over, as in 1885, Britain also took over a port city. After a major peasant revolt in 1894, Japan used the Japan-Korea Treaty to accuse Korea of violating the document’s regulations as they had reached out to China for assistance. Followed by the assassination of opposition leader, Empress Myeongseong and the installation of a government controlled by Japan in 1895, Japan was able to regain more control over Korea.