Korean War Flashcards
When did phase 1 of the development of the Korean War take place?
June to September 1950
What happened in phase 1 of the development of the Korean War?
- In June 1950 the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Communist North) rapidly advanced into the South, helped by the equipment from the USSR and China.
- They captured the capital city of Seoul and then pushed the southern troops back as far as Pusan (a small pocket of land in the south east corner.)
- Chinese troops had built up in Manchuria ready for a move into Korea to support the Communists.
- The UN forces were being assembled ready to start the fight back. 29 states had agreed to provide military, economic and medical aid.
When did phase 2 of the development of the Korean War take place?
September to November 1950
What happened in phase 2 of the development of the Korean War?
- The UN force was gathered from 29 states and the majority of the troops were Americans. The man put in charge was General MacArthur.
- The UN wanted to cut off Communist supply lines which were passing through Seoul so in September 1950 they stormed ashore at Inchon. At the same time other UN forces and South Korean troops advanced from Pusan.
- The North Koreans were driven back beyond their original border of the 38th Parallel and by the end of September MacArthur had retaken Seoul.
- However, they ignored China’s warning that pushing too far north would bring the Chinese into the war and by October, US forces (on behalf of the UN) had reached the Yalu river and the Chinese border.
- It was clear that the USA was trying to remove Communism from Korea entirely.
When did phase 3 of the development of the Korean War take place?
December 1950 to June 1951.
What happened in phase 3 of the development of the Korean War?
- MacArthur had underestimated the power of the Chinese.
- Late in October 195 200,000 Chinese troops (People’s volunteers) launched an attack. The soldiers were committed to Communism and hated the Americans. They had modern tanks and planes from the USSR.
- The UN force was overwhelmed and pushed back. In January 1951 the UN forces were pushed out of Seoul and only after weeks of bitter fighting were they able to push the Chinese back to the 38th Parallel.
- Stalemate had been reached.
- Now Truman and MacArthur argued. MacArthur wanted to attack China with nuclear weapons and despite a warning from Truman and the UN (that it might pull the USSR into the war) MacArthur openly threatened China in March 1951.
- In April 1951, Truman sacked MacArthur as he believed that the objective of removing Communism from South Korea had been achieved.
When did phase 4 of the development of the Korean War take place?
June 1951 to July 1953.
What happened in phase 4 of the development of the Korean War?
- Peace talks between North and South Korea began in June 1951 but made no progress because of a dispute over the exchange of prisoners.
- Talks began again in 1952 but bitter fighting continued.
- In 1952 Truman was replaced by Eisenhower who wanted to end the war.
- Stalin died in 1953 and was replaced by the less aggressive Malenkov. Now the Chinese and North Koreans were less confident.
- An armistice was finally signed in Panmunjom in July 1953.
- The armistice confirmed that there would be a 2 mile demilitarised zone either side of the 38th Parallel, all military forces should withdraw to their own territory, and prisoner exchange would begin.
What was the Communist north also known as?
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
When did North Korea cross the 38th parallel, invading South Korea?
25th June 1950
What is the capital city of Korea?
Seoul
How many states had agreed to provide military, economic and medical aid the UN?
29
Who was put in charge of the UN force?
General MacArthur.
When did the UN force storm ashore at Inchon?
September 1950
What is the border between North Korea and South Korea called?
The 38th Parallel
When did MacArthur retake Seoul?
By the end of September 1950
When did the US forces reach the Yalu River and the Chinese border?
By October 1950
How many Chinese troops launched an attack in late October 1950?
200,000
When did Chinese troops launch an attack?
In late October 1950
What were Chinese troops also known as?
People’s volunteers
When were the UN forces pushed out of Seoul?
In January 1951
When did General MacArthur openly threaten China?
In March 1951
When was General MacArthur sacked?
On 5th April 1951
Who sacked General MacArthur?
Truman
When did peace talks between North and South Korea initially begin?
June 1951
When was Truman replaced by Eisenhower?
In 1952
When did Stalin die?
March 1953
Who replaced Stalin as leader of the USSR when he died?
Malenkov
When was the armistice signed?
On 27th July 1953
Where was the armistice signed?
Panmunjom
What did the armistice confirm?
- There would be a 2 mile demilitarised zone either side of the 38th Parallel.
- All military forces should withdraw to their own territory.
- Prisoner exchange would begin.
When did the US announce its goal of a unified, anti-communist Korea?
17th August 1950
What happened on 17th August 1950?
The US announced its goal of a unified, anti-communist Korea.
When did MacArthur order his troops into Korea’s northernmost provinces?
24th October 1950`
What happened on 24th October 1950?
General MacArthur ordered his troops into Korea’s northernmost provinces.
When did Truman admit in a press conference that the US may be considering using an atom bomb?
30th November 1950
What happened on 30th November 1950?
Truman admitted in a press conference that the US may be considering using an atom bomb.
What does repatriate mean?
To return someone to their own country.
What does stalemate mean?
When no side can win.
What is an armistice?
An agreement to stop fighting
What is a demilitarised zone?
An area where no troops are allowed.
What are negotiations?
Trying to make a deal.
