Korean War 1950-53

Question 1

Cold War focus shifted to Asia - WHY?

Answer 1

• Europe already divided (NATO/Warsaw Pact)
• Communist victory in China 1949 (after war since 1920s)
• USSR/China sign Treaty of Friendship 1950

Question 2

Causes of War: JAPANESE OCCUPATION

Answer 2

• since 1910 until 1945
• ended with split of koreas by superpowers (north USSR, south USA)

Question 3

Causes of War: NORTH KOREA

Answer 3

• communist controlled, soviet-style, one-party system
• leader trained by USSR - Kim Il Sung

Question 4

Causes of War: SOUTH KOREA

Answer 4

corrupt, anticommunist, political weakness
dictator Syngman Rhee
had US support

Question 5

Causes of War: INVASION BY NORTH 1950

Answer 5

June 1950, by Sept majority of SK under control
Soviet and chinese weapons

Question 6

Reaction USA/UN

Answer 6

• At first, no direct military intervention, sends advisors + supplies
• Convinces UN Council to intervene (USA biggest contributor, USSR boycotting over China’s joining)
• RESOLUTION 84, 1950

Question 7

Casualties

Answer 7

36,000 USA soldiers
4,500 UN soldiers
70,000 South Korean soldiers
Nearly 3M civilians

Question 8

PROGRESION

Answer 8

1. Invasion June 1950
2. UN intervention September 1950, by November reaches China border
3. China joins war with 200,000 volunteers, push back to 38th parallel
4. MacArthur (irrational, wanted nuclear war China) removed April 1951
5. Peace talks june 1951, armistice 1953

Question 9

Containment SUCCESS

Answer 9

Showed will to maintain containment + prepared to go to war anywhere
UN success (e.g compared to LoN) and alliance to USA
South Korea saved from communism