Donghak Peasant Revolution vs. French Peasant Revolution — A History of the People: What Was the Same, and What Was Different?
Donghak Peasant Revolution vs. French Peasant Revolution — A History of the People: What Was the Same, and What Was Different?
From "Protect the Nation and Secure the People" to the abolition of feudalism, an in-depth comparison of the great transformations brought about by 'revolutions from below'.
By: Rich | Category: Comparative Modern History | Readability Optimized & SEO/AdSense Ready
Introduction: Two Cries That Changed the Course of History
One side held bamboo spears and plows; the other, pitchforks and sickles. Though separated by time and place, the cry of oppressed peasants rising to become masters of their own history echoes across the ages to this day. The Donghak Peasant Revolution, which shook the fate of Joseon in the late 19th century, and the French Peasant Revolution, which transformed Europe in the late 18th century, both symbolize the moment the 'people' became the protagonists of history.
“Man is Heaven (Innaechon)” — The spirit of the Donghak Peasant Army “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity (Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité)” — The slogan of the French Revolution
This article provides a multi-faceted comparison of the historical context, ideological foundations, development process, and historical achievements and limitations of these two events. Through this, we explore both the universality and the particularity of popular resistance in human history.
Part 1: The Donghak Peasant Revolution — Under the Banner of 'Expelling Foreign Invaders'
Historical Context: A Crumbling Joseon and Foreign Encroachment
In the late 19th century, the Joseon Dynasty faced a crisis from within and without. Internally, the collapse of the tax system, known as the 'Samjeong-ui Mullan' (Three Administrations' Corruption), devastated the livelihood of the people, and the corruption of officials was rampant. A prime example was the harsh exploitation by Jo Byeong-gap, the magistrate of Gobu county. He drove the populace to fury by imposing illegal taxes and tributes.
Externally, Japan, Qing China, and Western powers encroached upon Joseon's interests and interfered in its internal affairs. With the nation's sovereignty at risk, the peasants felt compelled to rise up, concerned for the very survival of their country.
Ideological Foundation: 'Man is Heaven'
Donghak ("Eastern Learning") was an ideology founded by Choe Je-u in 1860, serving as an indigenous religion and intellectual movement in opposition to Seohak ("Western Learning," i.e., Catholicism). Its core tenet was 'Innaechon' (人乃天), a radical egalitarian idea that "Man is Heaven." This presented a revolutionary concept that negated the rigid class system and asserted the equality of all human beings.
Furthermore, Donghak championed the cause of 'Boguk-anmin' (To protect the nation and secure the people) and 'Jepok-gumin' (To eliminate tyranny and save the people). These slogans resonated deeply with the peasants' lives and spread rapidly.
Part 2: The Unfolding of Events — From Gobu to Ugeumchi, From the Bastille to the Great Fear
The Development of the Donghak Peasant Revolution
The Donghak Peasant Revolution can be broadly divided into two phases.
-
The First Uprising (Anti-Feudal Struggle)
In January 1894, peasants in Gobu rose up against the exploitation of Jo Byeong-gap. In March, they achieved major victories against government forces at the Battle of Hwangtojae and the Battle of the Hwangryong River, and successfully captured Jeonju Fortress. During this process, the Donghak army presented the 12-Point Proposals for Reform, demanding the punishment of corrupt officials, the abolition of class discrimination, and land reform.
To resolve the situation, the government signed the Treaty of Jeonju with the Donghak army, which then disbanded. However, this was merely a temporary truce. -
The Second Uprising (Anti-Foreign Struggle)
When the First Sino-Japanese War broke out and the Japanese army occupied Gyeongbok Palace, the Donghak army rose again under the slogan “Cheokwae-yangchanguie” (Drive out the Japanese and Westerners). However, they suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Ugeumchi against the allied forces of the Japanese and government troops. The movement was crushed with the capture of its leaders.
The Development of the French Peasant Revolution
The French Peasant Revolution is intrinsically linked to the French Revolution. The 'Great Fear' (La Grande Peur) of the summer of 1789 was particularly decisive.
- The Spark: On July 14, 1789, the people of Paris stormed the Bastille Prison, and the revolution spread throughout the country.
- The Great Fear: Rumors spread among the peasantry that the aristocrats were hiring mercenaries to suppress them. In response, peasants pre-emptively attacked lords' manors and burned feudal documents.
- The Outcome: On August 4, 1789, the National Assembly declared the abolition of feudalism. The practical actions of the peasants directly led to this achievement of the French Revolution.
Part 3: Comparative Analysis — How Were the Two Revolutions Alike and Different?
Commonalities
- Protagonists: Peasants, not professional revolutionaries, came to the forefront to shake the social structure.
- Nature: Both were popular uprisings against a feudal system of privilege and class.
- Impact: The Donghak movement became a catalyst for the Gabo Reform, while the French revolution led to the actual collapse of feudalism, paving the way for the success of the wider Revolution.
Differences
| Category | Donghak Peasant Revolution | French Peasant Revolution |
|---|---|---|
| Ideological Basis | Donghak Ideology (Innaechen, Boguk-anmin) | Enlightenment Thought (Liberty, Equality, Popular Sovereignty) |
| Target of Struggle | Internal corrupt officials + External forces (Japan, Qing, etc.) | Internal privileged classes (nobility, clergy) |
| Organization & Leadership | Organized uprising led by figures like Jeon Bong-jun | Spontaneous uprising without a central leader |
| Outcome | Military failure, but left a lasting spiritual legacy (Righteous Army, Independence Movement) | Immediate institutional achievement (abolition of feudalism) |
Part 4: Historical Impact — A Failed Revolution and a Successful One
The Donghak Peasant Revolution failed militarily, but its spirit endured. It became the spiritual root of the anti-Japanese Righteous Army movement, the March 1st Movement, and ultimately the democratization movement in the Republic of Korea.
The French Peasant Revolution effectively toppled feudalism, contributing decisively to the success of the French Revolution. Its values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
spread to democratic movements worldwide.
Part 5: Timeline — A Comparison of the Two Revolutions
| Year | Donghak Peasant Revolution | French Peasant Revolution |
|---|---|---|
| 1789 | — | July 14: Storming of the Bastille / July-Aug: 'The Great Fear' / Aug 4: Abolition of feudalism |
| 1860 | Donghak founded by Choe Je-u; spread of 'Innaechen' ideology | — |
| 1894 (1st Uprising) | Gobu Uprising → Victories at Hwangtojae & Hwangryong River → Capture of Jeonju → Treaty of Jeonju | — |
| 1894 (2nd Uprising) | Sino-Japanese War begins → Japanese troops occupy Gyeongbok Palace → Peasants rise again → Defeat at the Battle of Ugeumchi | — |
| 1895 | Execution of Jeon Bong-jun and other leaders → End of the movement | — |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the biggest commonality between the Donghak Peasant Revolution and the French Peasant Revolution?
A. The main commonality is that in both events, oppressed peasants became the main actors who shook the feudal order. Furthermore, these bottom-up transformations triggered institutional reforms (the Gabo Reform and the abolition of feudalism).
Q2. Why did the Donghak Revolution fail while the French Peasant Revolution succeeded?
A. The Donghak movement had to fight on two fronts simultaneously (internal corruption and foreign invasion) amidst foreign intervention (Qing/Japan) and was inferior in military power and resources. In contrast, the French peasants could focus on overthrowing the internal privileged classes, and the National Assembly immediately enacted institutional reforms.
Q3. What is the difference between Innaechen (Man is Heaven) and Enlightenment thought?
A. Innaechen was a communitarian egalitarian ideology with a strong sense of national sovereignty. In contrast, the Enlightenment emphasized individual rights and universal human rights, possessing a transnational, universalist character.
Q4. Where can we see the legacy of the Donghak Peasant Revolution today?
A. It remains the root of the spirit of resistance that continued through the anti-Japanese Righteous Army, the March 1st Movement, and the democratization movements. It has served as a spiritual foundation in the development of democracy in South Korean society.
Q5. What is the modern-day impact of the French Peasant Revolution?
A. It abolished feudalism and spread the values of 'Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity' to democratic movements worldwide. This legacy continues today in universal declarations of human rights and the universal values of democracy.
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