CONCLUSION
The Donghak Rebellion was one of the only rebellions in Korean history that argued for reform to be staged by peasants.
The rebellion itself was not able to become a revolution, as the first rebellion was put to an end after negotiation with the government, and the second was stamped out by foreign military influences.
Because it was put to an end by Japanese forces, the Donghak Rebellion brought upon, some may argue, Japanese interference in Korean affairs, and sped up the colonization process as the 'helping hand' was used as an excuse to increase military activity and political interference in Korea.
However, the movement itself was able to advance the quality of life for those of lower class. Many of the reforms they carried out after their initial victory were anti-feudal in nature and centered heavily on improving living conditions of those of the lower class. The Donghak Rebellion was able to advance social welfare and ease social stratification as well as promote civil rights.
Even though such reforms were put to an end after the end of the second rebellion, much of their philosophy was carried over into later Korean reforms including the Gabo Reform and Gabsin Revolution. The spirit of the rebellion was also influential in creating organized peasant militias later on during colonization. These militias played a largely important role in the Korean independence movement.
While it did bring upon a negative foreign influence and speed up colonization, the Donghak Peasants' Rebellion was largely beneficial to society in general, in terms of the social advancements it was able to bring upon, as well as its lasting spirit.
The Donghak Rebellion was one of the only rebellions in Korean history that argued for reform to be staged by peasants.
The rebellion itself was not able to become a revolution, as the first rebellion was put to an end after negotiation with the government, and the second was stamped out by foreign military influences.
Because it was put to an end by Japanese forces, the Donghak Rebellion brought upon, some may argue, Japanese interference in Korean affairs, and sped up the colonization process as the 'helping hand' was used as an excuse to increase military activity and political interference in Korea.
However, the movement itself was able to advance the quality of life for those of lower class. Many of the reforms they carried out after their initial victory were anti-feudal in nature and centered heavily on improving living conditions of those of the lower class. The Donghak Rebellion was able to advance social welfare and ease social stratification as well as promote civil rights.
Even though such reforms were put to an end after the end of the second rebellion, much of their philosophy was carried over into later Korean reforms including the Gabo Reform and Gabsin Revolution. The spirit of the rebellion was also influential in creating organized peasant militias later on during colonization. These militias played a largely important role in the Korean independence movement.
While it did bring upon a negative foreign influence and speed up colonization, the Donghak Peasants' Rebellion was largely beneficial to society in general, in terms of the social advancements it was able to bring upon, as well as its lasting spirit.