Korean War Flashcards
What empire did Korea belong to from 1910 to 1945?
Japanese empire
Why did the US and USSR occupy Korea after WW2?
As the USSR had been pushing through the Japanese empire trying to claim land for the USSR
The USA was in Korea fighting the Japanese
What did the USA and USSR do in Korea after WW2?
US and USSR occupy Korea and are split by 38th parallel
Allies intend to unify Korea
USSR wanted communism and USA capitalism
UN tried to settle the matter and held elections in 1948 for a new gov’t, but the Communist North refused
USA and USSR withdrew their troops
What government ran North Korea after 1948?
Communist party run by Kil-Il-Sung
What government ran South Korea after 1949?
Nationalist party run by Syngman Rhee
Why did war break out in 1950?
Communists in the north wanted a united Korea
1000s die on border clashes on the 38th parallel
US intervene to prevent domino effect from China
China had just had Communist revolution in 1949
Who established the idea of the domino effect?
President Eisenhower in a speech in 1954
Who was involved in the Korean War?
North Korea (Soviet Union and china) South Korea (UN but mainly the US)
How did events unfold in the Korean War?
June 1950 - July 1953
Communists force south to Busan
Counter draws Communists back to Chinese border
China sent 300000 “volunteers” to help communists
They drove the UN forces south of Seoul
Communists forced back to 38th parallel
Stalemate from 1951 until 1953
Was Korea a success for America?
Yes, contains communism and prevented domino effect on South Korea and Japan
No, North Korea became communist and still is today
