1.4 China and the Korean War

Question 1

Why did Mao become involved in the Korean war?

Answer 1

After the north’s invasion of the south, the south had fought back with the support of the UN. However, the UN continued to push above the 38th parallel and their increasing speed towards the border with China had Mao scared of invasion. This pushed Mao to intervene with the war.

Question 2

What evidence is there to suggest that the Korean War played a significant role in increasing terror?

Answer 2

Mao took advantage of the outbreak of war to take more extreme measures in removing potential risks at home. This instigated the Great Terror in 1950.

Question 3

What impact did the Korean war have on foreigners in China?

Answer 3

Foreigners were now pressured into open persecution during the war. Foreigners were forced to leave the country and stripped of their assets. The only group who had not left were the Russians due to the Sino-soviet pact.

Question 4

How did Mao use the war to promote national unity?

Answer 4

Party orchestrated propaganda campaign against the USA calling it the “Resists America, Aid Korea” campaign. Mass meetings were organised in workplaces and schools to spread this.

Question 5

How did the PRC benefit from the Korean War?

Answer 5

• Helped display power of the CCP and new PRC as they had just fought against 15 nations from the UN, including the US.
  – Allowed CCP to introduce regimes to enforce higher taxes and conscription. As well as to lock up those potentially against the communist regime.
• “Resist America, Aid Korea” campaign started to mobilise support and funds for army.
  – China had gained military prestige as a new state had won over a world superpower.

Question 6

How did the PRC not benefit from the Korean War?

Answer 6

• The war further broke the already crumbling economy. - 400,000 soldiers died.
• Forced requisitioning of grain led to famine in the country.
  -The War had cost $10 Billion.