Syngman Rhee

Syngman Rhee or Lee, Seung-man (March 26, 1875 - July 19, 1965) was a Korean politician and the first president of South Korea. His rule, from March 1948 to April 1960, remains a matter of controversy, arising from Cold War tensions on the Korean peninsula and elsewhere. Rhee, a professed Christian, was identified strongly with the conservative, anti-Communist side in Korean politics and geopolitics, and led South Korea throughout the Korean War. His presidency ended in resignation following popular protests against a disputed election. He died in exile in Hawaii.

Early Career

He was the co-author, with P.K. Yoon, of the Petition from the Koreans of Hawaii to U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, which appealed to the Americans in face of Japanese aggression in 1905.

Related Topics:
P.K. Yoon - Hawaii - Theodore Roosevelt - Japan - 1905

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Rhee graduated in 1907 from The George Washington University, where he was a member of the prestigious Enosinian Society, and from Harvard University in 1909 with a Master of Arts. Rhee enrolled at Princeton University in September of 1909, and obtained a Ph.D. in Politics on June 14, 1910 at the age of 33.

Related Topics:
1907 - The George Washington University - Harvard University - 1909 - Master of Arts - Princeton University - Politics - June 14 - 1910

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During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945), he was elected president of the provisional government in exile.

Related Topics:
1910 - 1945 - Provisional government

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