Japan relinquished control of Korea after its defeat in World War II. The Allied powers, including the United States and the Soviet Union, liberated Korea from Japanese rule.
Here's a deeper look at the factors that led to Japan's withdrawal:
- Military Defeat: Japan's military suffered crushing losses in World War II, leading to their unconditional surrender. As part of the surrender terms, Japan had to release all its territories, including Korea.
- Allied Pressure: The Allied powers, victorious in the war, exerted significant pressure on Japan to relinquish control of Korea.
- Korean Independence Movement: The Korean people actively resisted Japanese rule throughout the occupation. This resistance contributed to international pressure on Japan and strengthened the movement for Korean independence.
- Post-War Division: After the war, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union administering the North and the United States administering the South. This division reflected the larger geopolitical tensions of the Cold War and ultimately prevented Korea from achieving immediate unification.
In summary, Japan's withdrawal from Korea was a consequence of their defeat in World War II, the pressure from the Allied powers, and the ongoing struggle for Korean independence.
