3.1운동 경제배경 서술의 변화과정 분석

초록

Examined here is how past studies –especially the ones which were conducted in the name of commemorating the March 1st movement - depicted the economic background of that very movement for quite some time, and how such depiction changed over the years. It was generally believed that the Korean economy at the time was in bad shape. Relevant studies, even back then, theorized that in the area of Agriculture the Korean people were mercilessly pillaged, while in the area of Commerce and Industries they were discriminated as well. Later, as the Korean people went through the Japanese occupation period as well as some turbulent years that immediately followed the Korean Liberation, a general frame for depiction was established in the 1950s and ‘60s, in both South and North Korean academic circles. It was argued that the “Land Survey project” (conceived and implemented by Japanese Colonial authorities) essentially led to willful thefts of the lands of the Joseon peasants and also the eventual demise of the Joseon peasant class. And it was also argued that the Japanese authorities’ declaration of the so-called “Company Act” effectively suppressed the birth and growth of Korean business in all areas. Analysis of the former issue (and the Land Survey project itself) actually developed quite nicely, to the extent of effectively suggesting (and verifying) the project as a reason for the fall of the Joseon peasants. On the other hand, analysis of the latter issue (the Company Act) was never fully refined, and even now remain as an unreliable center for an argument that the entire Korean race was discriminated while Korean business was prohibitively blocked. Since the 1970s, a group of ‘Economic history’ scholars began to raise their voice and suggested that the Joseon society’s upper class, including Joseon Capitalist entrepreneurs, should be examined more. They even described some new changes detected within the Joseon society at the time as ‘desires of the citizens’ or even ‘bursts of energy.’ This new perspective caused some controversies as progressive academic groups emerged at the end of the 1980s and direct discussions of the matter ensued. Then in the following periods, various group studies commemorating the March 1st movement did continue, yet the economic background of the movement was less and less discussed. Coming into the 21st century they are no longer even mentioned. The deterioration of a Marxist-based, “Economy determines all” theory, the weakened voice of the so-called “People’s History” school, and the whole prolonged ‘Modernization (or “Lack” of it)’ debate, may have all contributed to such a shift in trend in various degrees. The last one in particular, the protracted ‘modernization’ debate, seems to have caused ‘economic history’ studies to stagnate quite a bit. On the other hand, accumulated studies, changed social climate and ever diversifying perspectives to view the March 1st movement have also been asking us to broaden our horizon, while clinging on to some valid perspectives of the past. Key words : March 1st movement, academic studies, depiction of the economic background, Land Survey project, the Company Act

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