The Light of Day

The years spent as a colony of Japan were difficult; while the economy grew and modernization began in Korea, almost all of the benefits went to Japan. Businesses and land were taken away and given to any Japanese native for a cheap price, which often lead Koreans into food shortages. Numerous Koreans were also forced to leave their home country in search for a better life, only to find that conditions elsewhere were no better. Korean culture suffered the most damage, especially the Korean language, which was forbidden in any form(A). The Japanese forced their language and religion upon Koreans, leading many Koreans to adopt Japanese names. During this time, many Korean treasures were stolen, most of which have not been returned to this day(B).

Samil
Independence Day
March 1, 1919

 This suppression of culture motivated many Koreans to become politically active. Many staged demonstrations against the Japanese, including one where a Declaration of Independence was created. This movement, in Pagoda Park involved 33 patriots who successfully established a provisional government in Shanghai and organized one of the first struggles against Japanese forces(B). Another attempt in throwing off the Japanese reign occurred at the 1919 Versailles conference, where Koreans protested for international support(A). Unfortunately, this movement also failed. The most famous effort for resistance occurred on March 1, 1919, which today is known as Samil [Independence Day](F,B). However, this demonstration also failed, with an estimated 7,000 Koreans killed and thousands imprisoned(A). Following these events, nationalists and communists movements developed among Koreans and exiled Koreans in the former USSR, Manchuria, and China in an effort to reclaim their homeland (F).