Let's say Japan decides not to force Korea to sign the treaty of 1905, and Korea continues as an independent empire.
What changes around the world?
What changes around the world?
China really has never shown any interest in expanding into Korea post Ming. A post 1900s China invading Korea and annexing it is again one of those things I never understood.Korea doesn't try to be bigger than it is (no "Empire of Korea" proclaimed). The Kingdom of Joseon lasts a bit longer, maybe into the 1910s. It's best chance is to use the chaos in China when Qing dynasty falls to their advantage. Otherwise the Chinese decide to swallow them up, I think.
Will World War II even happen now?