Charles Frederick of Baden vs Sukjong of Joseon

Charles Frederick became Margrave of Baden-Durlach at age 10, ruling under a regency until 1746. He inherited a small, fragmented territory and began a long reign focused on centralization and reform.

Charles Frederick implemented enlightened reforms in Baden, including abolishing serfdom (1783), promoting religious tolerance, reforming the legal system, and encouraging education. He was influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment.

Through the Reichsdeputationshauptschluss (1803) and later treaties, Charles Frederick significantly expanded Baden's territory. Baden absorbed numerous smaller states and ecclesiastical territories, becoming a major German state.

Charles Frederick was elevated from Margrave to Grand Duke of Baden by Napoleon after the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire. Baden joined the Confederation of the Rhine, gaining territory and status as a French ally.

Sukjong purged the Southerners faction, accusing them of plotting treason. He replaced them with the Westerners, who then split into Noron and Soron factions. This marked the beginning of Sukjong's pattern of switching factions to maintain royal power.

Sukjong purged the Westerners faction after a dispute over the succession of his son (later Gyeongjong). He reinstated the Southerners, who supported the son. This purge solidified the Soron faction's influence and deepened factional hatred.

Sukjong purged the Southerners faction again, accusing them of plotting against Queen Inhyeon. He reinstated the Westerners (Noron faction). This was the third major purge of his reign, demonstrating his strategy of balancing factions.

Sukjong implemented the Daeedongbeop, a uniform land tax system that replaced various tribute payments with a single rice tax. This simplified taxation, reduced corruption, and increased state revenue, though it burdened peasants in some regions.