Ali Pasha of Ioannina vs King Gojong of Korea

Ali Pasha was appointed as the Pasha of Ioannina in 1788, consolidating his control over a large territory in Epirus and Thessaly. He established a semi-independent state within the Ottoman Empire, ruling with a combination of diplomacy, military force, and patronage.

Ali Pasha expanded his territory through military campaigns in the 1790s, conquering parts of central Greece, including Arta and Preveza. He also subdued rival Albanian lords and extended his influence over the Peloponnese, becoming the de facto ruler of much of mainland Greece.

In 1820, Sultan Mahmud II ordered Ali Pasha's removal, accusing him of disloyalty. Ali Pasha resisted, leading to a two-year siege of Ioannina by Ottoman forces. His rebellion weakened Ottoman control in Greece and indirectly aided the Greek War of Independence, which began in 1821.

Ali Pasha was killed in 1822 during the Ottoman siege of Ioannina. He was shot after a failed negotiation, and his head was sent to Istanbul. His death ended his 34-year rule and allowed the Ottomans to reassert control over his territories, though the Greek revolt continued.

Gojong's government implemented the Gabo Reforms, a series of modernization measures including the abolition of slavery, reform of the civil service exam, and adoption of a solar calendar. These reforms aimed to strengthen Korea against foreign encroachment.

King Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire, declaring himself Emperor Gwangmu. This was an attempt to assert Korea's sovereignty and independence from foreign influence, particularly China and Japan, and to modernize the state.

Gojong's government was forced to sign the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905, which made Korea a Japanese protectorate. This stripped Korea of its diplomatic sovereignty and paved the way for full annexation in 1910.

Gojong was forced to abdicate by the Japanese Resident-General, Ito Hirobumi, after he sent a secret envoy to the Hague Peace Conference to protest Japanese control. This led to the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1907, which increased Japanese control over Korea.

Gojong died suddenly, with rumors of poisoning by Japanese authorities. His death sparked the March 1st Movement, a nationwide protest against Japanese rule, which became a pivotal event in the Korean independence movement.