Korean War

Question 1

state its background: Cold war spreads to Asia

Answer 1

• After Berlin Blockade, focus of Cold War shifted to Asia
• Bitter civil war in China between the Communists and Nationalists since 1920s
• Chinese Civil War continues after WW2 and results in Communist victory in 1949
• Mao founds people’s Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek flees to the small island of Formosa (Taiwan)
• Communist China and Soviet Union sign Treaty of Friendship in 1950

Question 2

state the causes of the Korean War:

Answer 2

Japanese occupation

• Before WW2
• Cruelty and brutality
• Economic devastation
• Destruction
• Liberated in 1945 (USSR and USA)

North Korea after 1945

• Armed to the teeth by Soviets
• Remained communist
• Soviet style one-party system
• Hostility towards the South
• Kim il-Sung becomes communist leaders
• Liberated by Soviet troops

Invasion by North, 1950

• 38th parallel (temporary border between North and South
• Rapid and Successful
• Superior weapons

South Korea after 1945

• Political instability
• Tension between North and South
• Militarily vulnerable
• Corrupt government (not democratic)
• Fiercely anti-communist
• Economically very weak
• Syngman Rhee (US puppet - American support)

Question 3

state the reactions of USA and UN:

Answer 3

• Truman sends military aid to South
• Needs international support for direct military action, however
• Puts pressure on UN Security Council to intervene
• USSR currently boycotting UN so could not veto Council decision
• Resolution 84 passed by UN in 1950: military action against Communist North in Korea

Question 4

what happened in 1949?

Answer 4

• China falls to communism

- Russians acquire their own A-bomb

Question 5

what happened in 1952?

Answer 5

-Americans developed the more powerful H-bomb (hydrogen bomb)

Question 6

what happened in 1953?

Answer 6

-Russians developed the H-bomb