1. Xmas Quiz- Korea War Flashcards
1) Which country occupied Korea between 1910 and 1945?
- Japan occupied Korea from 1910 to 1945.
What happened to Korea at the end of World War 2?
- At the end of World War 2 in 1945, Korea was divided into two occupation zones: the Soviet-controlled North and the American-controlled South. This division was meant to be temporary until the country could be reunited.
) Who was the leader of North Korea?
- Kim Il-sung was the leader of North Korea.
Who was the leader of South Korea?
- Syngman Rhee was the leader of South Korea.
Describe the situation in Korea by September 1950
- By September 1950, North Korean forces had invaded South Korea, pushing South Korean and American forces to the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, specifically around the city of Pusan. It looked like South Korea was on the brink of being completely taken over by North Korea.
Why did the UN vote in favour of supporting South Korea?
- The United Nations voted to support South Korea because North Korea’s invasion was seen as a violation of international peace and security. The UN, led by the USA, wanted to stop the spread of Communism in Asia.
Which country was NOT involved in the UN vote and why?
The Soviet Union (USSR) did not take part in the UN vote because they were boycotting the UN. They were angry that China’s government under Chiang Kai-shek was still recognized instead of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), led by Mao Zedong.
What happened in the Korean War when the UN forces got involved?
- After the UN decided to help South Korea, UN forces, mainly led by the USA, launched a counter-offensive. General Douglas MacArthur led the UN forces, and in September 1950, they successfully carried out the Inchon Landing, which helped push the North Korean forces back.
) What action did China take in October 1950?
- In October 1950, after UN forces pushed the North Koreans back into the northern part of the country, China sent large numbers of troops (the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army) to support North Korea and fight against the UN forces.
Who was the leader of China at this time?
Mao Zedong (Chairman of the People’s Republic of China).
Why did China back North Korea?
- China backed North Korea because they feared that a unified, pro-Western Korea would threaten their security. They also wanted to prevent US influence from spreading close to their border.
Who was the military leader of the UN forces?
- The military leader of the UN forces was General Douglas MacArthur.
Why did the military leader of the UN forces and President Truman fall out?
- MacArthur disagreed with President Truman’s strategy of limiting the Korean War to a conflict within Korea. MacArthur wanted to take the war into China and even suggested using nuclear weapons. Truman opposed this approach, fearing it could lead to a broader war with China and the Soviet Union. MacArthur was fired in April 1951 for insubordination.
Describe 4 conditions in Korea which made it more difficult for UN forces to fight.
Rough terrain: Mountains and rivers made movement difficult.
Extreme weather: Very cold winters made conditions harsh.
Guerrilla tactics: North Korean and Chinese troops used surprise attacks and irregular warfare.
Supply problems: The difficult land made it hard to keep supply lines open.
When was an armistice signed for the Korean War?
- An armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, effectively ending the fighting, although a formal peace treaty was never signed.
