Faisal I of Iraq vs Injo of Joseon

Faisal, as a key leader of the Arab Revolt, commanded Arab forces alongside British officer T.E. Lawrence. The revolt aimed to overthrow Ottoman rule in the Arab provinces. It succeeded in capturing Damascus in 1918, contributing to the Allied victory in World War I.

In March 1920, Faisal was proclaimed King of Syria by the Syrian National Congress. However, the French Mandate authorities rejected this and invaded Syria in July 1920, defeating Faisal's forces at the Battle of Maysalun and forcing him into exile.

After the Cairo Conference of 1921, the British installed Faisal as King of Iraq under a mandate. He was crowned on August 23, 1921. His reign focused on building a modern state, integrating diverse ethnic and religious groups, and managing British influence.

Faisal signed the Anglo-Iraqi Treaty in 1930, which granted Iraq independence while maintaining British military bases and influence. The treaty paved the way for Iraq's admission to the League of Nations in 1932 as a sovereign state.

General Yi Gwal, angered by his removal from command, led a rebellion that captured Hanseong (Seoul). Injo fled to Gongju. The rebellion was suppressed within weeks, but it weakened Joseon's military and exposed internal divisions.

After the Qing invasion of Joseon, King Injo surrendered to Hong Taiji at Samjeondo. He performed the three kneelings and nine prostrations, acknowledging Qing suzerainty. This ended Joseon's allegiance to the Ming dynasty and forced Joseon to become a Qing tributary state.

Crown Prince Sohyeon, who had been a hostage in Qing and returned with progressive ideas, died under suspicious circumstances. Injo ordered the execution of the prince's wife and the exile of his children, eliminating a potential rival and reformist faction.