Conflict and tension in Asia, 1950-1975, Part one: Conflict in Korea Flashcards
What was the Cold War?
The conflict between the USA and the USSR. Not fought face to face but through proxy wars.
When did the Chinese civil war start and finish?
1944-49
What day did the Korean War start?
25th of June 1950
What side of Korea did the USA support?
The South
What side of Korea did the USSR support?
The North
Who was the ruler of North Korea in 1950?
Kim Il Sung
Who was the ruler of South Korea in 1950?
Syngman Rhee
In what way was the Korean War a proxy war?
Both superpowers - the US and USSR - could fight without direct confrontation.
Whose support did Kim Il Sung want to have before invading?
He wanted Stalin’s permission and support.
On what line was Korea divided on at the end of WW2?
38th Parallel
How was Korea supposed to be unified?
Through an election. The winner would be ruler of the North and the South.
How was the division of Korea supposed to be temporary?
Elections were to be held to unify the country.
Why was it not possible to have elections to unify Korea?
No side could agree on how the country should be run. No compromise was achieved.
What political ideology did the USA follow?
Capitalism
What political ideology did the USSR follow?
Communism
What was the Truman Doctrine?
The USA’s policy to try to ‘contain’ communism.
In what year did China become a communist country?
1949
Who was fighting for a capitalist China?
Chiang Kai-shek
How much money did the USA give to Chiang Kai-shek’s campaign?
$2 billion
Why did Kim Il Sung invade the South?
- Korean nationalism - unity wanted
- Cold war - USSR wanted to spread communism
- China - now new North Korean ally
What was the Marshall Plan?
The US aid program that helped rebuild European countries.
Was Syngman Rhee elected?
Yes. Elections took place in 1948.
Was Kim Il Sung elected?
No. He took control of North Korea
What was the USA’s immediate response to the invasion?
- Ordered US Navy Fleet to Korea (7th Fleet)
- Ordered General MacArthur to organise troops and supplies
What was the UN’s immediate response to the invasion?
- Ordered Kim Il Sung to withdraw his troops across the 38th parallel
- Called for a ceasefire
Why was the USSR absent from the UN Security Council Meeting?
It was refusing to take part because it wanted China to join it.
When did the UN Security Council meet?
27th May 1950
What was the UN Security Council’s decision on the 27th of June?
To send in UN troops to defend South Korea.
How much of the UN troops were American?
- 50% of troops
- 90% of navy and air forces
How many troops does ROK and NKPA have in 1950?
ROK: 98,000 troops
NKPA: 135,000 troops
Who was in charge of the UN and ROK troops?
General MacArthur