5: Was containment effective? - YK Flashcards
Why did the Korean War start?
Korea was ruled by Japan ‘10-‘45, northern half liberated by Soviet troops (remained communist-controlled one-party state) but southern half liberated by American troops (anti-communist, not democratic), sides separated on ‘temporary’ basis by 38th parallel, 1950 North Korea invaded
What was the timeline of the Korean War?
Starts 25th June 1950
Jun-Sep ‘50 North Korea quickly overwhelmed South’s forces, by Sep all but a small corner of South Korea was under communist control, SK appealed to UN, UN declared NK to be aggressor
Sep-Oct ‘50 UN forces (16 countries, later 32) headed by US under American war hero General Douglas MacArthur who organised a successful seaborne landing at Inchon (near Seoul), surprise collapsed NK resistance and UN troops approached China
Nov ‘50 - Jan ‘51 China warned UN not to approach Yalu River, MacArthur tried to invade China, he was dismissed Apr ‘51 and replaced by General Ridgeway, Nov ‘50 China sent 200,000 ‘People’s Volunteers’, more troops with modern Soviet weapons pushed UN forces back into South Korea
Jun ‘51 - Jul ‘53 UN troops recovered but there was a stalemate around 38th parallel, peace talks began Jun ‘51 but only made progress ‘53 when Eisenhower (wanted to end the war) replaced Truman
Ceasefire agreed 27th July 1953
Was the Korean War a success for containment?
Cost and casualties high but showed US’ determination, showed US had limits (North Korea remained communist)
What is the background behind the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Cuba 160km from Florida, Americans owned most businesses there, US had naval base there and supported corrupt + unpopular anti-communist dictator Batista
What were the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis?
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What options to respond to the discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba did Kennedy have?
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Why did the Soviet Union place nuclear missiles on Cuba?
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What were the consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis?
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Why did the Vietnam War start?
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When did the USA get involved in the Vietnam War?
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What tactics did the Viet Cong use against American troops?
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What tactics did US troops use against the Viet Cong?
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What was the Tet offensive, and how did the media react?
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How did the anti-war movement develop in the US during the Vietnam War?
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What was the My Lai massacre and what was its significance?
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