Chapter 6 (1950-53) Flashcards
The Korean War
What was the name of the ‘border’ between North and South Korea?
The 38th Parallel
Who was the leader of North Korea?
Kim Il Sung
Who was the leader of South Korea?
Syngman Rhee
What were the similarities between Kim Il Sung and Syngman Rhee?
Both nationalists and authoritarian, both wanted to unite Korea under their single leadership, both prepared to use force as a vehicle to achieve unification
What was Kim Il Sung’s connection to the USSR?
Was groomed in the USSR as a possible leader of a communist post-war Korea
What was Syngman Rhee’s connection to the USA?
Had lived in the USA, was anti-communist
Why did the USA enter the Korean War?
To ensure stability in Asia (containment) and protect long-term security of Japan, didn’t include Korea in defensive perimeter strategy, defend ally South Korea
Why did the USSR enter the Korean War?
Support ally North Korea (valuable ally in Asia), avoid costly conflict with USA (Asian troops did the fighting, used alliance with China), Kim Il Sung would turn to China if didn’t support (undermine Soviet communist power), promote Stalin’s image as defender of communism
Why did North Korea enter the Korean War?
Wanted to unite their country under one leader, pressured USSR and China for support (manipulated China by underplaying Stalin’s support and manipulated USSR by underplaying Mao’s support)
Why did China enter the Korean War?
Was forced to act when USA moved 7th fleet to defend Taiwan, wanted to be seen as acting independently from USSR, establish countries credentials as new force in communist world, felt debt to communists in Korea (military help during civil war), consolidate position to recover Taiwan
Why did the UN enter the Korean War?
Became tool of USA (USSR boycotted Security Council after decision not to recognise Red China, couldn’t veto)
