6: The Korean War, 1950-53

Question 1

What was Syngman Rhee the leader of?

Answer 1

South Korea

Question 2

What did Rhee want at the start of the war?

Answer 2

Wanted Korea to be united
No Communism
Guarantee from the USA that they would protect them and provide aid

Question 3

What was Kim Il Sung the leader of?

Answer 3

North Korea

Question 4

What did Il Sung say to convince the USSR and China to support him?

Answer 4

Would be rapid and descisive victory
Already strong Communist cell in the South
Southern guerilla forces were well organised
The USA wouldnt have time to intervene

Question 5

What was the USSRs position towards joining the Korean War?

Answer 5

Initially rejected Il Sungs pleas
Agreed to provide weapons after the USA didnt include Korea in the Defnsive Perimeter
Worried China would undermine Soviet influence
Didnt want to commit troops

Question 6

What was Chinas position towards Korea?

Answer 6

Initially more interested in internal affairs
Involvement triggered by ships between China and Taiwan
Thought if US won they could threaten China
Later pressurised by Stalin

Question 7

What was the UNs position on Korea?

Answer 7

USSR was boycotting at the time
Ceasefire order was passed
Gave the US credibility to intervene

Question 8

What happened in each phase of the Korean War?

Answer 8

Phase 1: North invade South; Chinese gather in Manchuria; 29 UN states pNovided aid

Phase 2: MacArthur forces NK across the 38th parallel; 300,000 Chinese troops join

Phase 3: Chinese push across 38th parallel; UN condemns China as an agressor; USA indicates willingness to ceasefire

Phase 4: No offensives; Disinclination to cooperate

Question 9

How long did it take to reach a settlement?

Answer 9

2 years

Question 10

What were 3 impacts of the Korean War?

Answer 10

Long term security protected
USSR under economic pressure
USA more commited to containment
Western Europe were allowed to strengthen their military resources