You may be confused with the time periods when I say Joseon Dynasty, Edo Period, or Qing Dynasty. These are classic terms referring to specific periods in the history of East Asian countries, similar to the Victorian Era in the United Kingdom. This is a brief timeline to help you understand the history of East Asian countries from the 18th century to the present, in comparison with Western society.
* Black: Korea / Red: China / Blue: Japan / Green: UK / Pink: US
- Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897)
- Edo Period (1603-1868)
- Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)
- Industrial Revolution (1760-1840)
- Declaration of Independence (1776)
- Meiji Period (1868-1912)
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
- Korean Empire (1897-1910)
- Victorian Era (1837-1901)
- Republic of China (1912-1949)
- Showa Period (1926-1989)
- Representation of the People (1928)
- People's Republic of China (1949)
- Republic of Korea (1948)
Japan:
Edo Period (1603-1868): This period began with Tokugawa Ieyasu becoming the first shogun. It was a time of peace, stability, and the development of traditional culture. The Edo Period ended with the transition to the Meiji Period.
Meiji Period (1868-1912): The era of Japan's modernization and opening, led by Emperor Meiji.
Showa Period (1926-1989): The era that saw Japan's participation in World War II, its subsequent defeat, and eventual economic recovery, led by Emperor Showa (Hirohito).
Korea:
Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897): The longest era in Korean history, established by King Taejo (Yi Seong-gye), and succeeded by a total of 27 kings. The Joseon Dynasty ended with the proclamation of the Korean Empire.
Korean Empire (1897-1910): Ruled by Emperor Gojong and his son, Emperor Sunjong, this period spanned from the late Joseon Dynasty (1863-1910) to Japan's colonial rule.
Republic of Korea (1948-present): Established after the Korean War and the division of the Korean Peninsula.
China:
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912): The last Chinese dynasty, ruled by Emperor Puyi until its collapse, which marked the end of the imperial era in China.
Republic of China (1912-1949): Established after the fall of the Qing Dynasty, but eventually forced to retreat to Taiwan following the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
People's Republic of China (1949-)
United States:
Late 18th century: American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) and the Declaration of Independence (1776)
19th century: American Civil War (1861-1865)
20th century: Participation in World Wars, Cold War era, etc.
United Kingdom:
Victorian Era (1837-1901): The period of Queen Victoria's reign, during which the United Kingdom experienced industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of the British Empire.
18th century: Industrial Revolution
19th century: Expansion of the British Empire