First Republic of Korea

Seal_of_South_Korea_(1949–1962)

File:National anthem of South Korea (1945–1948).wav}}<br_/>"Aegukga"_(1948–1960)<br_/>

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The First Republic of Korea (Korean: 대한민국 제1공화국) was the government of South Korea from August 15, 1948, to April 26, 1960. It was established following the end of the United States Army Military Government in Korea and was led by President Syngman Rhee. The First Republic was characterized by its anti-communist stance and its alignment with the United States during the early years of the Cold War.

Establishment[edit | edit source]

The First Republic was proclaimed on August 15, 1948, following the peninsula's liberation from Japanese rule in 1945 and subsequent division into Soviet and American occupation zones. The United Nations oversaw elections in the South, leading to the establishment of a separate government from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the North.

Government and Politics[edit | edit source]

The First Republic was a unitary presidential republic. Syngman Rhee was elected as the first president and served until his resignation in 1960. The government was marked by its strong anti-communist policies and efforts to suppress leftist movements within the country. The National Assembly was the legislative body, but its powers were often overshadowed by the executive branch.

Korean War[edit | edit source]

The First Republic faced significant challenges, most notably the Korean War (1950-1953). The war began when North Korea invaded the South on June 25, 1950. The conflict drew in the United States and other United Nations member states in support of South Korea, while China and the Soviet Union supported the North. The war ended in an armistice on July 27, 1953, but no formal peace treaty was signed, leaving the peninsula technically still at war.

Economic and Social Policies[edit | edit source]

The First Republic implemented various economic policies aimed at rebuilding the war-torn country. Land reforms were introduced to redistribute land from large landowners to tenant farmers. However, the government faced criticism for corruption and inefficiency. Socially, the period saw significant urbanization and industrialization, although economic growth was slow compared to later decades.

Downfall and Legacy[edit | edit source]

The First Republic came to an end following the April Revolution in 1960, a student-led uprising against electoral fraud and authoritarianism. President Syngman Rhee resigned and went into exile in Hawaii, leading to the establishment of the Second Republic of Korea.