History of Korea

The Nationalist Cause and the Provisional Government

Before the March First Movement, nationalist movements were loosely organized. At home, underground organization existed but could not act without arousing fear of detection and subsequent persecution. Abroad, several organizations existed but were unsuccessful in gaining international attention. However, the March First Movement mobilized various nationalist groups into forming the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea.

Based in Shanghai, the Provisional Government brought together leaders from politically divergent organizations, including Syngman Rhee (the first president of South Korea), Yi Tong-hwi (a staunch militarist who formed the first Korean socialist party), and An Chang-ho (who was against armed struggle and instead promoted cultural nationalism). The Provisional Government indicated a sharp, irriversible break with the past for it ended institutional monarchy. Although the leaders shared the goal of liberating Korea, they lacked a common ideological vision. Problems with funding also sharpened factional rivalry amongst the leaders.

Colonial Period