Gwangju Democratisation Movement
Also called: Gwangju Uprising · Topic: Paths to Modernisation: Japan, China, Korea · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 7 "Paths to Modernisation"
Meaning
The Gwangju Democratisation Movement was an uprising in the South Korean city of Gwangju in May 1980. After Park Chung-hee was assassinated in 1979, Chun Doo-hwan took power through a military coup. Students and citizens in Gwangju demanded an end to martial law, which is direct military rule, and called for democracy. The army crushed the uprising violently.
Example
Gwangju became a lasting symbol of resistance. Seven years later, the June Democracy Movement of 1987 forced the government to accept direct presidential elections.
Don't confuse with
- April Revolution (1960): This uprising against Syngman Rhee's rigged election forced him to resign. Gwangju was against Chun Doo-hwan in 1980.
- June Democracy Movement (1987): This movement succeeded in winning direct elections. Gwangju was crushed.
Related concepts
- Taiwan
- Cross-Strait relations
- Joseon dynasty
- Japanese annexation of Korea
- 38th parallel
- Korean War
- Park Chung-hee
- Export-oriented industrialisation
- Import substitution industrialisation
- Saemaul Movement