Building an American Constituency

Chapter 2 examines the lobbying activities of Rhee and the Korean independence movement in the immediate aftermath of the March First Movement and in the context of Woodrow Wilson’s embrace of self-determination as an American war aim. The Koreans used this new American interest in international affairs to expand their lobbying activities beyond those who had been involved in the American missionary effort in Korea. Through grassroots organizing, print media, and Chautauqua lectures, the Koreans established a small but influential constituency of American supporters who were willing to publicly advocate for the Korean cause.