역사와교육학회

The Donghak Peasant War of 1894 exhibited significant differences in character and orientation between its first and second uprisings. While the first uprising focused on "Anmin" (relief of the people) through anti-feudal reforms, the second uprising shifted toward "Boguk" (defense of the nation) and developed into an anti-Japanese struggle following the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War and Japan’s military intervention in Joseon. In response, the peasant army sought to build an anti-foreign united front by promoting an alliance between the Honam (Jeolla) and Hoseo (Chungcheong) regions. Nonsan emerged as a strategic stronghold where the southern (Namjeop) and northern (Bukjeop) factions of the Donghak army assembled for organized resistance. This study focuses particularly on the role of the Hoseo peasant forces. The Hoseo region, adjacent to Jeolla and characterized by a strong Bukjeop-centered Donghak organization, actively engaged in anti-Japanese battles in Cheonan, Gongju, Yeonsan, and other areas. These forces not only resisted independently but also participated in the united struggle with the Namjeop forces through the Nonsan alliance. The meeting in Nonsan represented more than a mere military merger; it marked a critical turning point in forming a nationwide, organized anti-foreign front. Although the movement ultimately failed following defeat in the Battle of Ugeumchi, the unification of Namjeop and Bukjeop forces in Nonsan symbolized a qualitative transformation of the Donghak Peasant Movement. It served as a pivotal moment in expanding the uprising from a localized revolt to a national-scale peasant war and embodied the historical significance of integrating anti-feudal and anti-foreign struggles.