King Gojong of Korea vs Yelu Abaoji

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.

Yelu Abaoji was elected khagan of the Khitan tribes, unifying them under his leadership. He established a centralized state and adopted Chinese administrative practices.

Yelu Abaoji proclaimed himself emperor, founding the Liao dynasty. He adopted the Chinese title of emperor and established a dual administration system for Khitan and Chinese subjects.

Yelu Abaoji ordered the creation of a writing system for the Khitan language, based on Chinese characters. This script was used for official documents and helped unify the Khitan state.

Yelu Abaoji led a campaign that conquered the Korean kingdom of Bohai, incorporating its territory into the Liao empire. This expanded Liao's influence into Manchuria and Korea.

Yelu Abaoji died while returning from the conquest of Bohai. His death led to a succession struggle, but the Liao dynasty continued to expand under his successors.