“Peasant discontent was the main cause of the Tonghak Rebellion.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that peasant discontent was the main cause of the Tonghak Rebellion. Candidates may refer to the social and economic conditions faced by the peasantry. The peasants were angry about the harsh taxation they endured and the high levels of corruption amongst officials. The conduct of Jo Byeonggap was an immediate cause of the rebellion. He had implemented a series of oppressive laws against the peasantry and forced them to build reservoirs and settle in unowned lands in order to get rich from taxes. A growing Japanese influence in Korea also angered the peasants. Cheap Japanese food products threatened their traditional farming economy and loans from Japanese farmers left many peasants in a desperate state. The followers of Tonghak wanted to improve peasants’ conditions by reducing taxes, punishing corrupt officials and promoting education and social justice. Candidates may challenge the assumption in the question and suggest it was in fact a religious and political movement. While the majority of the rebel army were peasants, the leaders of the movement were not. The leaders were followers of Tonghak, which was a mix of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Christianity. This religion (Cheondoism) promoted human equality, which threatened Korea’s feudal system. The leaders wanted an end to all foreign influence in Korea and they intended to dispose of Queen Min and her family. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

A few responses seen. Candidates were required to consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that peasant discontent was the main cause of the Tonghak Rebellion. The few responses seen were of a high standard and it was good to see that the Korean history parts to this unit are being taught in-depth.