Korean National Association

Definition

The Korean National Association was an important organization founded in 1910 in the United States to promote Korean independence from Japanese colonial rule. It played a crucial role in mobilizing Korean expatriates and rallying support for the Korean independence movement, bridging the gap between Koreans living abroad and those in Korea. Through various activities, the association aimed to foster national identity and political activism among Koreans, particularly during the March 1st Movement and the establishment of a Provisional Government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Korean National Association was instrumental in organizing the March 1st Movement by promoting awareness and encouraging participation among Koreans in the U.S. and abroad.
2. The association worked to gather international support for Korea's independence by advocating for Korean rights and raising funds to support independence activities.
3. Leadership within the Korean National Association included prominent figures such as Syngman Rhee, who would later become Korea's first president after liberation.
4. The association's activities included publishing newspapers and pamphlets that highlighted issues related to Japanese oppression and called for Korean self-determination.
5. In addition to its political objectives, the association also focused on cultural initiatives, promoting a sense of national pride and unity among Koreans overseas.

Review Questions

• How did the Korean National Association contribute to the momentum of the March 1st Movement?
  • The Korean National Association played a significant role in building momentum for the March 1st Movement by mobilizing Koreans living abroad and raising awareness about the independence struggle. They organized events, disseminated information about the movement, and encouraged participation from expatriates. This collective effort helped to amplify the voices of those demanding independence in Korea, showcasing international solidarity against Japanese colonial rule.
• Evaluate the impact of the Korean National Association on the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea.
  • The Korean National Association had a profound impact on the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea by fostering a sense of unity among Koreans and providing a framework for political activism. Its leaders were instrumental in forming alliances with other organizations dedicated to independence and played key roles in shaping the government's policies. The association’s efforts to gain international recognition for Korea’s plight also helped lay the groundwork for diplomatic support for the Provisional Government.
• Assess how the goals and activities of the Korean National Association reflected broader themes in Korea's fight for independence during the early 20th century.
  • The goals and activities of the Korean National Association reflected broader themes such as nationalism, self-determination, and cultural identity during Korea's fight for independence. By promoting unity among Koreans abroad, advocating for rights, and raising awareness of oppression under Japanese rule, the association encapsulated a collective desire for sovereignty. Their emphasis on cultural initiatives showcased an understanding that national identity was crucial in resisting colonial domination, aligning with similar movements worldwide that emphasized cultural revival as part of their fight for independence.

Related terms

March 1st Movement: A nationwide protest that began on March 1, 1919, calling for Korean independence from Japanese rule, which inspired widespread support and activism.

Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea: The government-in-exile established in 1919 after the March 1st Movement, aimed at leading the struggle for Korean independence and gaining international recognition.

Independence Movement: The collective efforts by Koreans to resist Japanese colonial rule and strive for national sovereignty during the early 20th century.