Korean War Flashcards
Reasons for US involvement in the Korean War
Developments in cw
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What were the two reasons that made the US Govt worried? State the conclusion.
- The detonation of the soviet Atomic Bomb.
- Commi victory in China.
Hence, the US govt feared that the tip in balance of power in the CW had now favoured the commis in AP.
Why was Truman determined to handle the commis?
The spread of anti-commi hysteria by McCarthy toughened Trumans determination to handle the communist.
What did NSC-68 report?
It reported that the soviets were set against USA. Moreover, the NK invasion of the south was perceived as a commi bid for domination and this seemed to confirm the report of NSC-68.
Fears for Japan
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Why was Japan becoming an American friend?
After ww2, the American occupation under general MacArthur had revitalised Japan which was beginning to develop from an American foe to an American friend.
Why was the safety of Japan jeopardised?
Japan was only a 100miles from South Korea and was within Archeson’s Defensive Perimeter. The safety of Japan would be jeopardised if faced with a total communist state, with commis apparently on the march.
What did the Defence department tell Truman about Japan?
They told Truman that Japan was vital for the defence of the west against communism.
What was Trumans leading advisors afraid of?
They emphasised that commi control of SK airbases would greatly threaten Japanese security.
The UN and lessons from History
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Why was collective security bad?
It had been trued in the years between the two world wars, in the form of the LON. The failure of the LON was thought to have played a role in the outbreak of ww2.
As a history student himself, what was Trumans thoughts on Collective Security?
He thought that the 1930s had taught that CS needed to be supported and that appeasement had to be avoided.
What did Truman believe about the UN?
He believed that the LON’s successor was being tested, and that if he failed it to support it, and appeased the aggressors . It would result into another ww.
Why was Truman certain of support from the west?
As GBR and FRA were anxious about commi unrest in their colonial possession. (French indochina and GBE malaya).
Reasons for USSR involvement in the KW
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