Date
1-16-2025
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)
Chair
David Hosaflook
Keywords
Korea, Missionaries, Education
Disciplines
History
Recommended Citation
Sutherland, Douglas K., "From Classrooms to Conflict: How Missionary Education Paved the Way to the Korean War" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6440.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6440
Abstract
This dissertation explores the pivotal role of Protestant missionaries and humanitarian actors in Korea’s quest for a unified, independent nation, examining their influence on social, cultural, and political transformations through education. Beginning with the arrival of the first Protestant missionaries in the late 19th century, the study delves into their impact on Korean society by establishing schools and hospitals that introduced Western education and healthcare practices, challenging traditional Confucian norms and fostering a new intellectual and ideological landscape. These institutions became centers of modernity and nationalist ideologies, cultivating a generation of Korean leaders who played significant roles in the independence movements. The dissertation investigates the multifaceted influence of missionary education, highlighting its role in shaping political consciousness and fostering national identity, exploring the involvement of Protestant missionaries in resistance against Japanese occupation, and analyzing how their educational initiatives contributed to aspirations for independence. Additionally, the study considers the religious dynamics within Korea, examining how Protestant Christianity both unified and divided Koreans in their pursuit of independence. Through a comprehensive exploration of primary sources and firsthand accounts, this research fills a scholarly gap by providing nuanced insights into the complex interplay between Protestant missionaries, humanitarian efforts, and the broader socio-political landscape in Korea, ultimately concluding with a reflection on the long-term effects of missionary activities and their contribution to Korea's modernization and struggle for sovereignty and self-determination.
