Korean War Flashcards
What was the Korean War often referred to as?
The Forgotten War
When did the Korean War take place?
1950-1953
What happened to Korea after the Russo-Japanese War in 1905?
Korea became a protectorate and was annexed by Japan in 1910.
What was the outcome of the Allied victory in 1945 regarding Korea?
It ended Japan’s 35-year colonial rule of Korea.
What was the purpose of the United States and Soviet Union’s trusteeship over Korea?
To establish a Korean provisional government which would become ‘free and independent in due course.’
What happened in Korea in 1948?
The South held a general election and Syngman Rhee was elected to lead its government.
Who led the Communist North Korean government established by the USSR?
Kim Il-Sung
What was the situation in Korea by 1949?
Both the US and the Soviets withdrew troops from Korea.
When did the Korean War begin?
June 25, 1950
What was the initial reaction of South Korea to the North Korean invasion?
South Korea was caught completely off guard.
What was the UN’s response to South Korea’s request for help?
The United States and the UN decided to take a stand against the invasion.
What was President Truman’s goal regarding communism during the Korean War?
To contain communism globally.
Who commanded the UN forces during the Korean War?
General Douglas MacArthur
What was the outcome of the UN forces by the end of July 1950?
Only a small section of Korea was in the hands of the UN forces (Pusan).
What significant military action did MacArthur order?
An amphibious invasion at the port of Inchon.
What happened on October 19, 1950?
Thousands of Chinese troops crossed the Yalu River and entered the War.
What was the result of MacArthur’s call for nuclear attacks?
President Truman disagreed, stating they were trying to prevent a world war.
What was the status of the Korean War by July 1951?
It reached a stalemate around the 38th parallel.
What was the outcome of the armistice negotiations?
They continued for two years and were influenced by President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower.
What were the human costs of the Korean War?
4 million Koreans dead and Korea was badly damaged.
What was significant about the Korean War in terms of military integration?
It was the first conflict where African American soldiers were integrated into white military units.
What is the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)?
A heavily militarized border strip (155x2.5 mi) between North and South Korea.
Who is the current leader of North Korea?
Kim Jong-Un, the grandson of the first leader.
