Page:The passing of Korea.djvu/141

 CHAPTER VII RLY in the seventeenth century the Manchu power began to loom up on the horizon like a black cloud. China determined to strike a quick blow at it, and called upon Korea to aid. It is more than likely that the strenuous efforts that China had put forth in helping Korea rid herself of the Japanese had drained her resources, and she had a good right to call upon Korea to help against the Manchus, but Korea was very reluctant. She dreaded the consequences to herself if, after all, the Manchus should succeed. At last, however, she sent a contingent of troops and joined with China in the war. In the very first set battle the Chinese were defeated, and the Korean generals hastened to send messages to the Manchus, explaining how they had been forced into the conflict against their wishes, and suggesting that the Manchus and Koreans become friends. We do not know how much faith the Manchus put in these protestations, but they had bigger work on hand than punishing Korea, so they made friends with her for the time being. In about 1620 the Manchu power was very busy fighting China, and Korea was left to herself; but she was not at peace. One of the few great rebellions of her history occurred at this time. Actual civil war has been almost unknown in Korea since the sixth century, but Yi Kwal's Rebellion proved the exception. He arose in the north and determined to overthrow the dynasty. His intrigues and machinations would make a long story, but it must suffice to say that he collected a powerful army and marched on Seoul. The King was quite unprepared to sustain the attack, and so fled to the island of Kang-wha.