For Wednesdays class I first read “Kim Dae-jung’s Role in the Democratization of Korea.” By utilizing this source it helped me create a time line of events. This showed us South Koreas way toward democracy, after the Korean War. The government had a great role in what came out about politics. There was a span of 6 years where political activity was banned. The government really took control during this time and protests ultimately stopped during this time. After that the people kept fighting for what they wanted and eventually the country was ready for democracy. The second reading was a topic strip. It was cool to be able to read history in this form. Like the first hand accounts, I like this comic because you get perspective of the civilians.
In class we each read a specific section and added to the timeline on the board. We also discussed a quote from a US officer stating that he didn’t think Korea was ready for democracy. I think that they pushed for democracy and finally when everyone was ready for it and the economy got better is the perfect time for democracy. Right after the war would not be the bets time since the country isn’t strong on its own yet. For Fridays class we discussed where our chapter would fit in the textbook and we also created new headings. We created a religion category and we also created a pre and post war Korean section. On my todo list is the second reflection and to continue with my chapter.
