King Gwanghaegun of Joseon vs Tewodros II

Gwanghaegun became king of Joseon at age 33 after the death of his father, King Seonjo. He inherited a war-torn kingdom and pursued a pragmatic foreign policy to maintain stability.

Gwanghaegun adopted a neutral stance between the declining Ming dynasty and the rising Manchu (Later Jin) state. He maintained diplomatic relations with both, avoiding direct military conflict and preserving Joseon's security.

A faction of officials led by Kim Yu staged a coup, deposing Gwanghaegun and exiling him to Jeju Island. They accused him of neglecting Confucian rituals and being too conciliatory toward the Manchu, installing his nephew Injo as king.

After being deposed, Gwanghaegun was exiled to Jeju Island, where he lived under house arrest for the rest of his life. He died in 1641, a forgotten figure despite his diplomatic achievements.

Kassa Hailu (later Tewodros II) defeated the forces of Dejazmach Wube Haile Maryam at the Battle of Ayshal. This victory consolidated his control over northern Ethiopia and paved the way for his coronation as Emperor.

Kassa Hailu was crowned Emperor Tewodros II at the church of Derasge Maryam. He began a campaign to unify Ethiopia's fragmented provinces, centralize power, and modernize the military and administration.

Emperor Tewodros II imprisoned British missionaries and diplomats, including Consul Charles Duncan Cameron, after failing to receive a response from Queen Victoria to his letter requesting military assistance. This act led to the British Expedition to Abyssinia.

British forces under General Robert Napier stormed the fortress of Magdala, defeating Tewodros II's army. Rather than surrender, Tewodros committed suicide with a pistol given to him by Queen Victoria. His death ended the British Expedition to Abyssinia.