Durham Stevens, American lawyer and diplomat (d. 1908)
Durham White Stevens (February 1, 1851 – March 25, 1908) was a notable American diplomat whose career took a controversial turn when he became an employee of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His role specifically involved working for the Japanese colonial office in Korea, known as the Resident-General, during a period of escalating Japanese imperial ambitions.
Stevens’ appointment to this post was particularly contentious among Korean expatriates and nationalists. He was widely perceived as a vocal proponent of Japanese rule over Korea, often publicly downplaying Korean sovereignty and advocating for Japan's "civilizing mission" in the peninsula. His statements frequently dismissed the Korean people's capacity for self-governance, further fueling animosity among those striving for their nation's independence.
The Assassination of Durham White Stevens
On March 25, 1908, Durham White Stevens was fatally shot by two Korean-American activists, Jang In-hwan and Jeon Myeong-un, in San Francisco, California. This act is widely recognized as one of the earliest and most impactful nationalist rebellions by pro-Korean activists on American soil. The assassination was a direct response to Stevens' perceived betrayal of Korean interests and his vocal support for Japanese colonial policies, which effectively stripped Korea of its sovereignty.
The incident highlighted the depth of anti-Japanese sentiment among the Korean diaspora and served as a stark demonstration of their commitment to resisting Japan's growing influence over their homeland. Both Jang In-hwan and Jeon Myeong-un were part of a burgeoning Korean nationalist movement abroad, keenly aware of the dire situation facing their country.
Broader Context of Korean Nationalist Resistance
Stevens' assassination did not occur in isolation but was part of a broader wave of intense pro-Korean, anti-Japanese demonstrations and resistance efforts. These actions were largely a fervent reaction to the devastating Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty of 1905, also known as the Eulsa Treaty. This coercive agreement effectively deprived Korea of its diplomatic sovereignty, turning it into a Japanese protectorate and paving the way for its eventual annexation in 1910.
The 1905 treaty ignited widespread fury and despair across Korea and among its diaspora. It triggered numerous acts of defiance, ranging from peaceful protests to violent confrontations, all aimed at challenging Japanese imperialistic policies.
Key Acts of Resistance and Retaliation During This Period:
- Assassination of Itō Hirobumi: Four years after the Eulsa Treaty and a year after Stevens' death, Itō Hirobumi, the very first Japanese Resident-General of Korea and a key architect of the protectorate treaty, was himself assassinated on October 26, 1909. He was shot by the renowned Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun in Harbin, Manchuria. This act, though chronologically distinct from Stevens' assassination, underscored the sustained and escalating nature of Korean resistance against high-ranking Japanese officials.
- Attacks on Pro-Japanese Establishments: Across Korea, crowds targeted institutions perceived as collaborators or symbols of Japanese influence. A notable instance involved attacks and the burning down of a newspaper office considered pro-Japanese, reflecting the public's outrage against those seen as betraying national interests.
- Clashes at Gyeongbokgung Palace: Significant confrontations also occurred at historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Here, Korean crowds fiercely clashed with Japanese guards, symbolizing the desperate struggle to protect Korea's cultural heritage and national dignity against foreign encroachment.
These collective acts of resistance, from Stevens' assassination in the United States to the protests and assassinations within Korea and Manchuria, illustrate the profound and multifaceted nature of the Korean independence movement during the early 20th century. They serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made in the face of brutal colonial oppression.
Frequently Asked Questions About Durham White Stevens and Korean Resistance
- Who was Durham White Stevens?
- Durham White Stevens was an American diplomat who later worked for Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving in the Japanese colonial administration (Resident-General) in Korea. He was a controversial figure due to his public support for Japanese rule over Korea and his disparagement of Korean sovereignty.
- Why was Durham White Stevens assassinated?
- Stevens was assassinated by Korean-American activists Jang In-hwan and Jeon Myeong-un as a direct response to his pro-Japanese stance and public statements that undermined Korean independence, particularly in the wake of the 1905 Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty.
- What was the 1905 Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty (Eulsa Treaty)?
- The Eulsa Treaty, signed in 1905, was a coercive agreement that effectively stripped Korea of its diplomatic sovereignty and established it as a protectorate of Japan. It was a pivotal moment leading to Korea's full annexation by Japan in 1910 and triggered widespread Korean resistance.
- Were there other significant acts of Korean resistance during this period?
- Yes, the period saw numerous acts of resistance, including widespread protests against Japanese rule, attacks on institutions perceived as pro-Japanese, clashes with Japanese guards, and the high-profile assassination of Itō Hirobumi (the first Resident-General of Korea) by Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun in 1909.