all of the above is the answer
Korea--the conflict occurred as Japan began to expand influence and China attempted to retain influence.
Korea was a hub of resources and as Japan began to modernize into a western country, it became a target of Japanese imperialism. However, China had traditionally been the protector of Korea and the war was an attempt for China to maintain their hold on Korea. <span />
Political machines were difficult to break up because they created a cycle of favors for votes in elections.
