Book Description

An objectively balanced history of Korea during the development of its modernization - from about 1800 to the present - this book emphasizes the character, beliefs, and sentiments of the people and the personalities and careers of their pivotal leaders. The history narrates the struggles of Koreans to resist imperialistic pressures exerted against the "strategic heart of northeast Asia" by Japan, China, Russia, and England. It also examines, in particular detail, the sometimes helpful and sometimes hurtful role of the United States - Korea's most influential and most reluctant ally. What is Korea, who are Koreans, and what are they really like? South Korea has set the pattern for emergence from poverty to prosperity, from endemic disease to healthfulness, and from general illiteracy to universal education. A 1992 study by a U.S. testing service found that elementary students of South Korea ranked first in both science and mathematics among the ten most "advanced nations" of the world. These achievements, not accidental, account for the success of Korea, which may be called a modern miracle. During the past two hundred years of Korea's modernization period, the Korean people have displayed strength and courage by preserving their nationalism and special culture in the face of surrounding and stronger nations. For instance, when Japan colonized Korea from 1910 to 1945 and attempted to "Japanize" its conquest, the Korean people held fast to their own traditions. Indeed, against all imperialistic enemies, Korea sought to protect itself by becoming a tightly isolated Hermit Kingdom. In the years of Japanese rule of Korea, the Indian poet Tagore wrote, "Korea, once a bright light in thegolden age of Asia, if it is to be relit, will be again the light of the East". His words were prophetic. Not only has Korea distinguished itself in the area of social reform; it has emerged as a fountainhead of Asian culture. The inspirational leadership of ethical philosophers and the village Silhak movement have met the modernizing influence of Christian missionaries and Western commercialization to guide the Korean people toward informed, self-reliant democracy. In A History of the Korean People in Modern Times, Robert T. Oliver vividly chronicles the full scope and progress of Korea - from its near-primitive beginnings to present-day prosperity. The pages of the volume are alive with accounts of individuals, ranging from political and intellectual leaders to peasants and workers, whose combined efforts reflect and illustrate the nature of the Korean people.