Rhee and Macarthur

Syngman Rhee was re-elected for a fourth term as President of South Korea in March 1960. Demonstrations broke out protesting that the elections had been rigged. On April 19th police fired on demonstrators killing 127 people. On April 27th Rhee resigned.

Syngman Rhee was a prominent political figure and the first President of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) following its establishment in 1948. In March 1960, Rhee was re-elected for what would have been his fourth term in office. However, the election process was marred by allegations of fraud and rigging in favor of Rhee's ruling party.

The contested nature of the elections sparked widespread public discontent and led to large-scale demonstrations across South Korea. Protesters took to the streets, demanding electoral reform and the resignation of President Rhee. They accused the government of suppressing opposition voices and manipulating the democratic process to maintain Rhee's grip on power.

The situation escalated dramatically on April 19, 1960, when police forces confronted the protesters in the city of Masan. The confrontation turned violent, and the police opened fire on the demonstrators, resulting in the tragic deaths of 127 people. This event, known as the Masan Massacre, shocked the nation and further fueled public outrage.

The public anger and the loss of life during the Masan Massacre served as a tipping point, leading to even larger and more widespread protests throughout the country. The demonstrations demanded justice for the victims and an end to Rhee's presidency.

Under mounting pressure, Syngman Rhee announced his resignation on April 27, 1960. His decision was an attempt to quell the unrest and restore order in the country. Rhee's resignation marked the end of his authoritarian rule, which had lasted for more than a decade.

The resignation of Syngman Rhee triggered a period of political instability in South Korea. The country entered a phase of transition, characterized by the formation of interim governments and efforts to establish a more inclusive and democratic political system. These events eventually led to the establishment of a new constitution and the election of a new president, Yun Bo-seon, in August 1960.

The events of 1960 and the fall of Syngman Rhee's presidency marked a significant turning point in South Korean history. They paved the way for a more participatory and democratic political system in the country, with subsequent administrations working towards greater political openness and accountability.