Battle of Qingshanli facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Qingshanli
Part of the Korean Independence Movement
Flag of the Imperial Japanese Army
Date October 21–28, 1920 Location Qīngshānlǐ, Jílín, China Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
Imperial Japanese Army	Northern military administration office army, Korea independent army
Commanders and leaders
Tomotake Takashima Masahiko Azuma Naoaki Isobayashi Masuzō Kimura	Kim Jwa-jin Lee Beom-seok Hong Beom-do An Mu
Strength
35,000	about 3,000

The Battle of Qingshanli (Korean: 청산리 전투, Japanese: 靑山里戰鬪) was an important fight for the independence of Korea. It happened in a region called Manchuria in China. This battle took place over several days, from October 21 to October 28, 1920. It was a clash between Korean independence fighters and the Japanese army.

What Was the Battle of Qingshanli?

The Battle of Qingshanli was a series of fights between Korean independence groups and the Imperial Japanese Army. These battles happened in the Qingshanli area of Manchuria. The Korean fighters were trying to free Korea from Japanese rule. Japan had taken control of Korea in 1910, and many Koreans wanted their country back.

Who Fought in the Battle?

On one side were several Korean independence groups. Two main leaders were Kim Jwa-jin and Hong Beom-do. They led groups like the Northern Military Administration Office Army and the Korean Independent Army. Together, they had about 3,000 to 4,000 fighters.

On the other side was the Imperial Japanese Army. They had a much larger force, with about 30,000 to 35,000 soldiers. Their commanders included Tomotake Takashima and Masahiko Azuma. The Japanese army was trying to stop the Korean independence movement.

Why Was This Battle Important?

This battle was a big moment for the Korean independence movement. Even though the Korean forces were much smaller, they managed to fight against a powerful Japanese army. It showed that Korean fighters were determined and brave. The battle is remembered as a symbol of resistance and hope for Korean independence.

The Korean Independence Movement

The Korean Independence Movement was a long struggle by Koreans to gain freedom from Japanese rule. After Japan took over Korea, many Koreans moved to other countries, like China, to continue fighting. They formed groups and armies to resist Japanese control. The Battle of Qingshanli was one of the most famous battles in this movement.

What Happened During the Battle?

The battle was not just one big fight but a series of smaller clashes over several days. The Korean fighters used their knowledge of the local area to their advantage. They used hit-and-run tactics, attacking the Japanese army by surprise and then quickly moving away. This made it hard for the larger Japanese force to catch them.

The Korean forces were very skilled and determined. They fought bravely against the well-equipped Japanese soldiers. The fighting was intense, with both sides suffering losses.

After the Battle

The result of the Battle of Qingshanli is often called "inconclusive." This means that neither side completely won or lost. However, for the Korean independence fighters, it was seen as a moral victory. They had faced a much larger and stronger army and held their ground.

After the battle, the Japanese army continued to try and suppress Korean independence groups. But the Battle of Qingshanli became an important part of Korean history, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for freedom.