Korean War

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

25/06/1950.
Communist N. Korea (150k) attacked capitalist S. Korea.
UN supported S. Korea, marching close to Chinese boarder, triggering Mao to use military action.
PRC vs 15 nations. PLA fought UN to a standstill, ending in 1953.

Question 2

Enhancing CCP’s control

Answer 2

Suppressed opposition + promoted national unity.
Enhanced CCP & regimes power + support.
Fighting capitalists proved to Stalin Mao was a trustworthy ally.
Excuse to lock up enemies - denounced non-communists as spies, capitalist sympathiser’s or traitors.
Excuse to enforce conscription, raise taxes, force farmers to give crops to aid war effort.
“Resist America, Aid Korea” campaign. Nationalism and Patriotism spread.
Mobilised public support for Chinese Army, encouraging workers to donate wages to war efforts.
Mao as a brave and heroic leader.
Western views of China: backward nation bullied by foreign powers –> feared + respected nation