This article is to reconsider the International relations of the Quadruple Entente and the Manchuria-Korea(the Manhan)Problem occurred from 1905 until 1912 with global perspective. This work will be revealed clear that the Manhan Problem was not merely territorial dispute among Korea, China and Japan, but the result of the Quadruple Entente system which has been made by Western Powers and Japan. It was the multiple entente systems. In this research, I specially focused on the interconnection with the Quadruple Entente and the Manhan Problem which was overlooked until now. It will be broaden the horizon of Korean studies and Manchurian Studies in these periods.
After the Russo-Japanese War, Japanese-French Agreement, Russo-Japanese Agreement, and Anglo-Russian Convention were concluded in 1907. This Quadruple system was to bring about the End of “the Great Game”. Since then, In East Asia, Quadruple Enetente system based on the Anglo-Japanese Alliance was constructed and In Europe, Triple Entente system were operated. Interaction of Quadruple Entente was forced to threaten and encircled German’s Triple Alliance in Europe as well as to restrict the American Expansion from Asian Pacific. Therefore Germany actively took a plan for German-China-American Alliance. Nevertheless, Japan had free hands in Northeastern Asia regions under the British diplomatic assistance. Such an International change in East Asia was able to make shape of realizing Japanese Plans to annex Korea and preoccupy Southern Manchuria including Gando region from 1907 until 1912.
Therefore Japanese penetration into Korea and Manchuria has been not only influenced by Quadruple entente system, but also controlled by Intervention and Restriction of German and America. Such actions were proved by Kaiser’s Plan for German-China-American Alliance Connection from 1907 to 1909, Theodore Roosevelt’s Initiative on the Root-Dakahira Agreement in 1908, The Knox’s Neutralization Plan for Manchurian railway in 1909. Anglo-Japanese preliminary contacts with Gando and Manchurian problems in 1909 and Anglo-American Arbitration Treaty after the Japanese Seizure of Korea. All these measures were revealed that Japanese Annexation of Korea and preoccupation of Manchuria had been influenced by the Interaction of Quadruple system. It was the Imperial struggle for Reestablishing the sphere of influence in East Asia.
But the Japanese seizure of Korea was not completed. The reason why was that The Aftermath of the Annexation of Korea was to increase the threat of war between America and Japan. It caused by the 2nd Russo-Japanese Convention and the Strengthening of the Quadruple system. Counteraction was immediately taken by Taft administration suggesting the Arbitration Treaty between United State and England. In the aftermath of this, 3th Anglo-Japanese alliance was concluded in 13th,July,1911. In this treaty, the clauses related with korea and the Russo-Japanese War were eliminated. It was the last diplomatic action for the Korean Problem taken step by Japan and Britain. In these measure, Korean problem was officially completed. In the course, British Entente policy was the unwavering support. But the Conclusion of the Arbitration Treaty between United State and England was to bring about the change of the Quadruple Entente system based on Anglo-Japanese alliance. Now Anglo-Japanese relation was estranged, but Anglo-American diplomatic relationship is renewed. It means that Japan’s regional power is to be challenged and power politics in east asia is to be changed.