Chapter 6: USSR, China and USA Flashcards
What was Stalin’s initial response to Kim Il Sung’s request for support?
March 1949, he rejected Kim Il Sung’s pleas, but suggested he should strengthen the guerrilla forces in te South to undermine the government there. By 1950, his position shifted as the international scene had changed.
Why did Stalin’s response to Kim Il Sung’s request for support change?
By Feb 1950 as by this time, the international scene had changed: Chinese communists had defeated the nationalists and set up the People’s Republic of China, Americans had not included South Korea in their Defensive Perimeter Strategy.
What did Stalin do for North Korea?
Provided military equipment, but was not prepared to commit Soviet troops to participate in a war.
What was Stalin’s thinking regarding the Korean war?
A war in Korea might bring in USA, and this could lead to a US Soviet conflict which could spread into Europe, a united communist Korean state as an ally on USSR would strengthen Soviet borders, put pressure on Japan (USA’s principle ally in Asia) and provide economic opportunities for USSR, if Stalin stalled on supporting N Korea, Kim Il Sung may turn to China, undermining Soviet influence and by 1950 USSR had nuclear technology.
What did Stalin accept as the best possible option for the USSR?
Indirect military support for North Korea, as a war between the North and the South would almost certainly draw the USA into the conflict.
How did Stalin make it clear he was not prepared to engage in direct military confrontation with the USA?
He made it clear that if the North Korean venture failed, the SU would not commit its own troops against the Americans, he was not prepared to engage in direct military confrontation with the USA, particularly in the context of nuclear wapons and the USSR’s inferior position at this time compared to the USA.
What were Mao’s immediate priorities in 1949?
Focused on consolidating communist control in China and the consolidation of Chinese territory through regaining control of Taiwan from the nationalists.
What was Mao’s attitude to Korea?
He was not particularly concerned about the future of Korea and it remained something of marginal importance.
What was China’s reaction to the North invading the South?
Initially China did not intervene or offer any form of overt support. Even as late as April 1950, Mao was determined to take no action that might inflame the USA.
What did Mao want there to be less emphasis on?
China acting as a prime mover in the global struggle between communism and capitalist Western imperialism. He wanted greater focus to be placed on addressing China’s more immediate geostrategic priorities, particularly the future of Taiwan.
What triggered China’s involvement in the Korean War?
Action by the USA. The US 7th Fleet defended Taiwan by positioning itself between China and Taiwan. Mao: “Truman said in an announcement that the United States would not intervene in Taiwan. Now his conduct proves what he said was false.”
How did Mao rationalise his view of the Korean War (after US with Taiwan) in August 1950?
He argued that if the US imperialists won the war, they would become more arrogant and would threaten China.
What did Mao Zedong then become committed to?
Sending ‘military volunteers’ to support North Korea. Believed that the USA would not use nuclear weaponry, placing them at too much of a risk.
What were Mao Zedong’s overall options?
His options were limited. China’s image would be tarnished in the eyes of the communist world and had to be seen to support fellow communist comrades in their struggle against capitalism.
What happened in the end regarding China?
In November 1950, China would be compelled to intervene due to pressure from Stalin, but at the start of the war Mao did his best to stay out of the conflict.
