1st Sino-Corean War

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Sino-Corean War
Date1886-1888
Location
The Far East, Corea, Manchuria
Result

Corean Victory

  • Southern Manchuria ceded to Corea
  • Northwest Manchuria ceded to Russia
  • Establishment of the Poeja Kingdom
  • Dutch establish a port on Terjan (Dalian)
Belligerents

Empire of Corea (Sjakwang Dynasty)

Supported by:
Netherlands

Russia

Great Qing

Tsjosjan dynasty

Netherlands (allied until 1883)
Strength
315,000 men 190,300 men
Casualties and losses
17,000 dead and wounded 849 dead
1,879 wounded
12,000 dead of disease and attrition

The Sino-Corean War (1886–1888) was a conflict between the Qing Empire and the Corean Empire in East Asia. Corea, with support from Russia and the Netherlands, successfully resisted Qing attempts to reassert control over the peninsula. The Netherlands, previously allied with the Qing, had shifted its support to Corea due to a secret agreement made before the war.

The conflict ended with the partition of Manchuria between Corea and Russia, leading to the establishment of Poeja, a Corean puppet state. The Qing's defeat weakened their influence, prompting regional powers like Russia and Britain to vie for greater control in East Asia.

Background

Dutch Influence in Corea

In the 18th century, Corea, ruled by the Tsosjan dynasty (Hankoel: 조선; Handja: 朝鮮), became increasingly influenced by Dutch ideas due to the country's alliance with the Qing empire. While the Qing were less receptive to Western ideas, the Tsosjan court embraced Dutch innovations, particularly in science and religion. This cultural exchange, known as Sjahak (Hankoel: 서학; Handja: 西學; lit. "Western Learning"), introduced books, scientific instruments, and Christianity into Corea.

Dutch influence became especially prominent in the southern city of Poesjan, which was granted to the Dutch East India Company as a trading post in 1710. By the mid-19th century, many affluent Corean students studied in Amsterdam, returning home to hold influential positions in government and academia, contributing to Corea's industrialization.

The Canton War and the 1883 Gyemi Coup

During the Canton War in 1850-1857, the Coreans fought alongside the Dutch. In 1883, the educated aristocrats of Corea overthrew the Tsjosan dynasty and formed the Sjakwang state, with the Ki family as the royal house.

The War

By the late 19th century, the Qing state, weakened by internal strife, grew concerned about Corea's increasing independence and distance from Qing influence. In a last attempt to assert control, the Qing sent troops to intervene in Corea. However, this decision proved disastrous and marked the beginning of the 1st Sino-Corean War.

The Qing, already struggling, faced overwhelming odds. Despite requesting Dutch reinforcements, no help arrived. Unbeknownst to the Qing, Corea had secured a secret pact with the Dutch the previous year, ensuring Dutch neutrality in any conflict with the Qing. In addition, Corea had gained support from Russia, with both Russian and Dutch backing strengthening the Corean war effort.

The war ended with the Treaty of Peking (1888), which resulted in the partition of Manchuria between Corea and Russia. This led to the establishment of Poeja, a Corean sister state in Manchuria. The Qing's defeat left them powerless, particularly in their western territories, triggering a race for territorial expansion between Russia and the British Empire. The war also marked the beginning of increased Russian involvement in East Asia, particularly in Japan.

See also