Korean War Flashcards
Where did the north invade in June 1950
Ongjin
After several boarder incidents
American and South Korean forces retreated as they were poor quality
One in three were causalities
What were the Inchon landings on September 15th 1950
MacArthur launched a seaborne invasion that was successful
27th September recaptured Seaul
UN becomes Involved sending soldiers from 15 countries but there was issues of communication
Where did US and South Korean forces retreat to in the summer of 1950
Pursan perimeter
After most of South Korea was under control by the north
In September of 1950 us took 5000 casualties
When was Pyongyang captured
October 1950
What happened at Chosin
Us forces were under heavy Chinese and North Korean attacks but they were saved by their air supremacy
There was a 50% casualty rate with 6000 dying from frostbite
What were the iron triangle battles
Pork chop hill
Heartbreak ridge(6000 shells fired)
What happened at the Yala river
Us and South Korea forces go into North Korea.
When they reached the yala river they were met with Chinese “human waves”
As they were evenly matched it led to a stalemate
What were the reasons that MacArthur was dismissed
Military failures
Long term conflict
Insubordination in March 1951
JCS support of Truman
General Ridgeway
Why did MacArthurs military failures lead to his dismissal
Perhaps lucky initial success at Inchon
Decision to cross the 38th parallel on September 30th into North Korea
Tells Truman the Chinese won’t respond but they attack the yala river leading to 50% casualties and a stalemate
How did long term conflict lead to the dismissal of MacArthur
Disagreements with Truman on:
Use of nuclear weapons
Whether Europe or Asia is more important in the Cold War
Should the us aim to protect communist china
In December 1950 he argued against a “limited war” to a journalist
How did MacArthurs insubordination in March 1951 lead to his dismissal
MacA issued a statement stating that china was close to collapse after Truman forbade any public comments
Letter sent to republican congressman Martin who read it in the chamber about MacA dismissal of Truman’s containment policy
The letter violated a JCS directive from the 6th of December 1950 that required a clearance for public comments
How did the JCS support of Truman lead to MacArthurs dismissal
The Joint Chiefs of staff were military generals that gave direct advice to the president
They feared MacA due to the belief he would cause a full scale war
At the congressional hearings in May 1951 Bradley disagreed with MacA over china
Marshall (SofD) stated he rejected MacAs comments on limited war
How did general ridgeway influence MacAurthurs dismissal
Truman had a replacement
Criticised MacA previously
Inspirational to his men and raised morale
Disagreed with Asia being the priority in the Cold War
Was a talented commander- led operation killer in February 1951
What were the reasons for the beginning of the Korean War
Stalin changing his mind and supporting Sung
Sung wanting reunification under him
USA gave the mistaken impression that they wouldn’t support Korea
How did the USA cause the Korean War
Aim was to support Rhee a s keep south free of communists
But sent mixed messages on whether they would support South Korea
1) Dean Acheson failed to specify that Korea was involved in the Defense perimeter strategy
2) senator Connally also made a public speech which seemed to suggest that the us wouldn’t challenge the North if invaded
3) 1950 Republican congress rejected a bill to send money to South Korea for domestic political reasons
How did Russia start the Korean War
The unlikely support of us made Stalin change his mind and support North Korea with the aim to support the north but avoid war with America
They were fearful of: the us atomic bomb
Chinas position in the world
Fears Japanese power
