Korea’s Division: A Historical Summary

Korea was a unified country for centuries, but external powers began vying for control in the mid-1800s. Japan and China exerted significant influence, leading to the signing of treaties and the eventual annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910.

Japanese Rule and Korean Resistance

Under Japanese rule, Koreans were deprived of freedom of speech, press, and assembly. The Japanese promoted their own language and commerce, suppressing Korean culture and businesses. Koreans resisted, forming a provisional government and fighting for independence.

World War II and the Division of Korea

After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Korea was divided into two zones, with the north under Soviet control and the south under US control. The division led to the establishment of separate governments, with the north becoming a communist state and the south a democratic republic.

Modern-Day Korea

Today, Korea remains divided, with the north dominated by a hereditary dictatorship and the south enjoying a democratic republic. The country’s history has been marked by periods of foreign influence, resistance, and division, shaping the Korea we know today.

Term	Definition	Example Usage
Annexation	The act of taking control of a country, region, or territory and making it a part of another country or empire.	“Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910, leading to a loss of independence and cultural suppression.”
Provisional Government	A temporary government established to provide leadership and administration until a permanent government can be formed.	“The Korean provisional government was formed in exile to resist Japanese rule and fight for independence.”
Hereditary Dictatorship	A system of government where the leader’s position is passed down through family members, often without regard for the will of the people.	“North Korea is an example of a hereditary dictatorship, where the Kim family has maintained power for decades.”
Democratic Republic	A system of government where the people have the power to elect their leaders and participate in the decision-making process.	“South Korea is a democratic republic, with free elections and a strong emphasis on human rights and individual freedoms.”
Communist State	A system of government where the state controls the means of production and distribution of goods and services, often with a focus on equality and social welfare.	“North Korea is a communist state, with a centrally planned economy and a strong emphasis on state control.”
Division	The act of separating or splitting something into two or more parts, often resulting in conflict or tension.	“The division of Korea after World War II led to the establishment of two separate governments and a lasting legacy of conflict.”
Foreign Influence	The impact or effect of external factors, such as other countries or cultures, on a particular country or region.	“Korea has been subject to significant foreign influence throughout its history, with various countries vying for control and exerting their power.”
Resistance	The act of opposing or fighting against something, often in a non-violent or peaceful manner.	“The Korean people resisted Japanese rule through various forms of protest and activism, including the formation of a provisional government.”
Independence	The state of being free from the control or influence of others, often resulting in self-governance and autonomy.	“Korea gained independence from Japan in 1945, but was soon divided into two separate states.”
Sovereignty	The state of being independent and self-governing, with the power to make decisions and act without external influence.	“Korea’s sovereignty was compromised during the period of Japanese rule, but was re-established after World War II.”
Unification	The act of bringing together or uniting separate entities, often resulting in a single, cohesive whole.	“The unification of Korea is a long-standing goal, with many Koreans hoping for a future where the country is reunited and at peace.”
Colonization	The act of establishing a colony or settlement in a new territory, often resulting in the exploitation of local resources and the suppression of indigenous cultures.	“Japan’s colonization of Korea had a profound impact on the country’s culture, economy, and politics.”
Occupation	The act of taking control of a country or territory, often through military force or coercion.	“The Soviet Union’s occupation of North Korea after World War II had a significant impact on the country’s development and politics.”
Reunification	The act of bringing together or reuniting separate entities, often resulting in a single, cohesive whole.	“The reunification of Korea is a complex and challenging process, requiring cooperation and compromise from both North and South Korea.”
Autonomy	The state of being self-governing and independent, with the power to make decisions and act without external influence.	“South Korea has a high degree of autonomy, with a democratic government and a strong economy.”
Centrally Planned Economy	An economic system where the government plays a significant role in planning and controlling the production and distribution of goods and services.	“North Korea has a centrally planned economy, with the government controlling many aspects of economic activity.”
Free Elections	Elections where citizens are free to vote for their preferred candidates or parties, without fear of coercion or manipulation.	“South Korea has a long tradition of free elections, with citizens able to participate in the democratic process.”
Human Rights	The basic rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled, including the right to life, liberty, and security of person.	“North Korea has a poor human rights record, with reports of widespread abuse and mistreatment of citizens.”
Individual Freedoms	The rights and liberties enjoyed by individuals, including freedom of speech, assembly, and association.	“South Korea has a strong tradition of individual freedoms, with citizens able to express themselves and participate in the democratic process.”

Korea’s Division: Vocabulary Quiz

Test your understanding of the vocabulary used in the text with this 5-question multiple-choice quiz.

Question 1: What does “vying” mean in the context of the text?

Choose the correct answer:

• A) To work together in harmony
• B) To compete or struggle for control
• C) To remain neutral in a conflict
• D) To surrender or give up

Question 2: What is the meaning of “annexation” in the text?

Choose the correct answer:

• A) The act of declaring independence
• B) The process of signing a treaty
• C) The act of taking control of a country or territory
• D) The establishment of a new government

Question 3: What does “provisional” mean in the context of the text?

Choose the correct answer:

• A) Permanent or long-term
• B) Temporary or interim
• C) Official or recognized
• D) Secret or underground

Question 4: What is the meaning of “hereditary” in the text?

Choose the correct answer:

• A) Passed down from one generation to the next
• B) Elected by the people
• C) Appointed by a higher authority
• D) Determined by chance or luck

Question 5: What does “dictatorship” mean in the context of the text?

Choose the correct answer:

• A) A system of government where power is held by one person
• B) A system of government where power is held by the people
• C) A system of government where power is shared among multiple groups
• D) A system of government where there is no leader or authority

Answer Key:

1. B) To compete or struggle for control

2. C) The act of taking control of a country or territory

3. B) Temporary or interim

4. A) Passed down from one generation to the next

5. A) A system of government where power is held by one person

---

The Use of the Passive Voice in Historical Narratives

The passive voice is often used in historical narratives to describe events and situations where the focus is on the action rather than the doer. In the provided text, we can see examples of the passive voice, such as “Korea was divided”, “Koreans were deprived”, and “the country’s history has been marked”. The passive voice is used to convey a sense of objectivity and to emphasize the events themselves, rather than the individuals or groups responsible for them. This grammatical structure is particularly useful in historical writing, as it allows the writer to present information in a clear and concise manner, without having to specify the agent performing the action.

Quiz: The Use of the Passive Voice in Historical Narratives

1. Which of the following sentences is an example of the passive voice? A) The Japanese promoted their own language and commerce. B) Koreans were suppressed by the Japanese. C) The country’s history has been written by many historians. D) The division of Korea was a result of the war.
2. What is the main purpose of using the passive voice in historical narratives? A) To emphasize the role of individuals in historical events B) To convey a sense of objectivity and emphasize the events themselves C) To describe the emotions and feelings of people involved in historical events D) To provide a detailed account of the timeline of historical events
3. Which of the following sentences is in the active voice? A) The Japanese suppressed Korean culture and businesses. B) Korean culture and businesses were suppressed by the Japanese. C) The country’s history has been marked by periods of foreign influence. D) The division of Korea was led by the US and the Soviet Union.
4. How does the use of the passive voice affect the tone of historical writing? A) It makes the tone more subjective and personal B) It makes the tone more objective and formal C) It has no effect on the tone of historical writing D) It makes the tone more emotional and dramatic
5. Which of the following sentences is an example of the passive voice used to emphasize the action rather than the doer? A) The Japanese ruled Korea from 1910 to 1945. B) Korea was ruled by the Japanese from 1910 to 1945. C) The division of Korea was a result of the war. D) The US and the Soviet Union divided Korea after World War II.

Answer Key

1. B
2. B
3. A
4. B
5. B