구한말 미국의 대조선 정책: 역사적 교훈과 정책적 함의

Abstract

This study focuses on the early period of Korea-U.S. relations. Reexamining forty four years of relationship would provide readers some clues that both can utilize in building a mutually beneficial alliance relationship for the future. There were missed opportunities and lost moments that might have prevented the Pacific War with the U.S. and enormous sufferings done to Koreans throughout the harsh colonial period of 1910~1945.

There were also critical moment when both Russia and Japan compete each other without enjoying fully dominant positions on the Korean peninsula. Yet, in this critical period of 1898~1904, the Mckinley administration did not pay much attention to the idea of neutralizing Korea, initiated firstly by the Russia and the special request of King Kojong in which he wished to be acknowledged by the U.S. of her sovereign right if the China would be allowed when John Hay pronounced its Open Door Policy in 1900. In both cases, the U.S. turned down the requests by maintaining principle of non-involvement and neutrality. Perhaps the war with Spain, beginning in 1898 failed the American leadership to see the value of the Korean and Russian requests. Obsessed mainly with the principles of balance of power, American governments did not try a more creative approach that might save not only the regional balance but also the moral principles of American interests, that are clearly exemplified in Manifest Destiny.