The Early Relations between Korea and the United States

This is a study of the development of the relations between the Great Republic of the West and the "Hermit Kingdom" of the East from America's attempts in opening Korea up to the Tonghak rebellion which was followed by the Chinese-Japanese war of 1894. Since there has been very little written on the subject, original records - diplomatic correspondences and memoirs - and documentary sources - treaties, conventions and agreements - have become the basis of the research. In pre-treaty days Korea was at first afraid to enter into treaty relations with other nations largely because of her experiences in the past since she had often suffered at the hands of foreigners. In order to secure protection of the lives and properties of American citizens in navigating Korean waters and to promote American commerce in the Far East, the United States was anxious to open Korea for her trade.