Politics in Eastern Asia: Japan, Korea and Vietnam

By 18korhammers
  • Period: 500 to Jan 1, 1450

    Post-Classical Period

    Although China's dominating political influence remained a constant in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam during the post-classical period, the politics of each country changed greatly over time because of shifts in power, changing government system, and wars.
  • Jan 1, 646

    Taika Reforms in Japan

    Although the Taika reforms ultimately failed, the influence from China was widespread throughout Japan. The reforms attempted to remake Japan's imperial administration into a copy of China's though Confucian ways, studying Chinese history, and learning Chinese writing. Despite their failure at completely transforming the Japanese administration, it was a political change because it led to expansion of Chinese influence and tensions among aristocratic families and Buddhist monks.
  • Jan 1, 1000

    Vietnamese Wars Against the Chams

    In order to drive their adversaries away from Vietnam, the Vietnamese launched a series of wars against the Chams, hunting people who lived in the lowland areas along the coast of Vietnam. The wars were succesful in forcing the Chams out of the lowland areas, allowing Vietnam to expand its territory. This is a change for Vietnam because it led to expansion and the end of conflicts with the Chams.
  • Jan 1, 1150

    Feuds Between Taira and Minamoto Families in Japan

    During the mid-12th century, the two most powerful familes of Japan, the Taira and the Minamoto, began to compete for control of the emperor and court. The conflict turned to open warfare later on. The conflict between families was a continuity of court domination by elite families, which included tension and conflict between all powerful landowning families.
  • Jan 1, 1180

    Gempei Wars in Japan

    The Gempei Wars were a continuation of conflict between the Taira and Minamoto families in Japan. The warfare affected both peasants and warriors, as well as destroying the Taira house faction. The Gempei Wars ended with the establishment of the bakufu under Minamoto control, and lead Japan into its feudal age. The wars were both a change and a continuation in Japan, because they continued conflct between elite families, but also shifted power to the Minamoto family and lead to the feudal age.
  • Jan 1, 1231

    Mongol Rule in Korea

    In 1231 CE Mongols invaded and took control of Korea, leading to a period of conflict and turmoil until the beginning of the Yi dynasty. Mongol rule was a political change in Korea because it was a change in power and the Mongols took control of the Korean administration.
  • Jan 1, 1336

    Establishment of Ashikaga Shogunate in Japan

    The Ashikaga Shogunate was established after a revolt led by Ashikaga Takuaji, a head of the Minamto family, overthrew the Kamakura regime. The emperor during the Kamakura regime was exiled by the Ashikaga, who remained the dominant power of Japan until later civil wars. This was a change in Japan because it was a shift in power and government.
  • Jan 1, 1392

    Establishment of Yi Dynasty in Korea

    The Yi dynasty was established in Korea after the end of Mongol rule in 1392 CE. The Yi restored aristocratic power and connections to China. The Yi dynasty is an example of continuity in Korea, because it restored previous power and connections that had been disrupted briefly by Mongol rule.
  • Jan 1, 1450

    Civil War in Japan

    During the rule of the Ashikaga Shogunate, government collapse was accelarated by civil war in Japan. The capital was destroyed, while provincial lords continued to amass power, leading to the division of Japan into 300 small kingdoms, each ruled by a warlord known as a daimyo. This was a major change into Japan because it divided the country and changed the government system.

  • Silla Kingom in Korea (Independence from China)

    In 668 CE, the Chinese withdrew their armies from Korea, allowing Korea independence under Silla rulers. Along with the removal of the army, a tribute system was introduced. This event was a political change for Korea because it was a change in rulers and in relations with China.

  • Vietnam Gains Independence From China

    After the fall of the Tang dynasty, the Vietnamese won their independence from China through a massive rebellion. Following their independence, Vietnam developed a political system that was like a smaller copy of China's bureaucracy. This was a major change in Vietnam because it was a shift of power from Chinese to Vietnamese rulers.