This thesis examines the rituals of succession in 18th century Korea and China. Producing a suitable heir to inherit the throne was an imperative for royals in order to extend their dynasty....Show moreThis thesis examines the rituals of succession in 18th century Korea and China. Producing a suitable heir to inherit the throne was an imperative for royals in order to extend their dynasty. However, from the case studies examined in this thesis, it becomes clear that there were palpable tensions between the eldest prince and the emperor incumbent. In both cases the outcome of the conflicts was execution of the heir apparent himself. The central question then is how and why these perilous cracks in the royal relationship formed between ruler and heir apparent.Show less
