First Republic under Syngman Rhee (1948–1960)

1. Constituent Assembly election in South Korea

   May 10, 1948Labels: Constituent Assembly, United Nations

   • Britannica
   • Wiki Election

2. First constitution proclaimed (Constitution Day)

   Jul 17, 1948Labels: First Constitution, Constitution Day

   • Wiki Constitution
   • Wiki Holiday

3. National Assembly elects Syngman Rhee president

   Jul 20, 1948Labels: Syngman Rhee, National Assembly

   • NEC Museum
   • Wiki 1948

4. Republic of Korea proclaimed in Seoul

   Aug 15, 1948Labels: Republic of, Seoul

   • Wiki FirstRep
   • Britannica

5. National Security Law enacted

   Dec 1, 1948Labels: National Security

   • KEI Analysis

6. Assassination of independence leader Kim Gu

   Jun 26, 1949Labels: Kim Gu

   • Korea JoongAng
   • Wiki Ahn

7. North Korea invades; Korean War begins

   Jun 25, 1950Labels: Korean War, North Korea

   • GovInfo
   • Britannica War

8. Government relocates to Busan as wartime capital

   Aug 18, 1950Labels: Busan, wartime government

   • UNESCO WHC
   • Busan City

9. Constitution amended; first direct presidential election held

   Aug 5, 1952Labels: Constitution Amendment, Presidential Election

   • Wiki 1952

10. Korean Armistice Agreement signed at Panmunjom

    Jul 27, 1953Labels: Armistice Agreement, Panmunjom

    • Britannica War
    • GovInfo

11. U.S.–ROK Mutual Defense Treaty signed

    Oct 1, 1953Labels: U S, United States

    • Wiki Treaty

12. “Rounding-off” amendment enables Rhee’s third term

    Nov 19, 1954Labels: Rounding-off Amendment, Syngman Rhee

    • NEC Museum

13. Rhee reelected; opposition wins vice presidency

    May 15, 1956Labels: Syngman Rhee, Chang Myon

    • Wiki 1956
    • NEC Museum

14. Progressive Party dissolved by Supreme Court decision

    Feb 25, 1958Labels: Progressive Party, Supreme Court

    • Wiki ProgParty

15. March 15 election fraud triggers nationwide unrest

    Mar 15, 1960Labels: March 15, Electoral Fraud

    • NEC Museum
    • Wiki March1960

16. April Revolution forces Rhee’s resignation

    Apr 27, 1960Labels: April Revolution, Syngman Rhee

    • US Historian
    • Britannica