3. The impact of the Korean War (1950-1953)

Question 1

How many Korean casualties were there during the war?

Answer 1

1.3 million (almost equal numbers from the North and the South).

Question 2

What proportion of Korean civilians were killed during the war?

Answer 2

1 in 10

Question 3

What other negative effects did the war have on Korea?

Answer 3

Industry and agriculture was in ruin, and millions of civilians were forced to flee their homes.

Question 4

How many South Korean soldiers died during the war?

Answer 4

415,000 soldiers

Question 5

How many American soldiers died during the war?

Answer 5

33,000 soldiers

Question 6

By how much did American defence spending rise during the war?

Answer 6

Increased significantly from $12 billion to $60 billion.

Question 7

How many Chinese casualties were there during the war?

Answer 7

Over half a million

Question 8

What was placed on China during the war following support from the UN?

Answer 8

A trade embargo (ban)

Question 9

What organisation was created in 1954, which aimed to contain communism in Asia?

Answer 9

The South East Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO)

Question 10

What happened to relations between China and the US after the war?

Answer 10

Relations became extremely tense. China had shown itself to be committed to the spread of communism and a direct threat to the values of the US.

Question 11

What happened to relations between the US and USSR after the war?

Answer 11

There was further tension and competition. The USSR committed themselves further in the expensive nuclear arms race with America.

Question 12

What happened to relations between China and the USSR after the Korean War?

Answer 12

With the trade embargo placed on China during the war, China became more dependent on the USSR. However, tensions began to develop, as Soviet involvement in the war had been limited to air support and equipment, not troops.

Question 13

Did America meet its aims during the Korean War?

Answer 13

Yes – South Korea remained an independent country, and communism had been successful contained.

No – North Korea remained communist (“roll back” had failed).

Question 14

Did China meet its aims during the Korean War?

Answer 14

Yes – China established its international reputation as a strong, military power in the world. North Korea remained communist and a “buffer state” protecting China’s borders.

No – China’s involvement in the war had not succeeded in turning South Korea into a Communist country.

Question 15

Did the USSR meet its aims during the Korean war?

Answer 15

Yes – The USSR had provided military support (short of troops), ensuring that North Korea remained a Communist country.

No – North Korea did not successfully take over the South, and communism had not spread.

Question 16

Did North Korea meet its aims during the Korean War?

Answer 16

No – They failed to take over South Korea and create a united, communist Korea.

Question 17

Did South Korea meet its aims during the Korean War?

Answer 17

Yes – The country remained independent and free from communist control.

Question 18

Did the United Nations meet its aims during the Korean War?

Answer 18

Yes – The organisation had taken quick and direct action, and prevented the takeover of South Korea. Its effectiveness was also clear, as 18 nations had worked together during the war to provide troops or support to the UN.

No - The organisation suffered over 30,000 casualties (predominantly US troops). The UN was also fortunate that the USSR had not been present to veto the vote.