Korean War: Causes Flashcards
To figure out the causes of the Korean War and why did it break out
What was the Role of the USSR?
Traditional argument was that the Korean War was caused by Soviet Aggression and desire to spread Communism worldwide.
When did USSR declare war on Japan?
8th of August 1945
Why did USSR declare war on Japan?
After the USA’s use of atomic bomb on Japan on 6th of August, Stalin was determined that USA shouldn’t have a strong hold on South East Asian Affairs.
When did Kim arrive back in North Korea?
September 1945
How did USSR support Kim Il Sung to create DPRK?
- USSR trained him in Moscow
- In August 1948, USSR supported
Kim’s wish for elections in the north. - As a result Kim won and in September 1948 DPRK set up under Kim
How did USSR aid Kim Il Sung?
- By 1949, Kim’s troops increased to 135,000 and were supplied by USSR
- At the start of the Korean War, USSR provided Kim with tanks, air support and military advisors
Why did USSR give the ‘green light’ in March 1950?
-International position improved for communism
-Stalin didn’t want Mao to take the lead in supporting Kim as he wanted to stop other Asian countries from looking to Mao
-Failures in Europe with the Berlin Blockade
Japan became more powerful under USA occupation
What was the role of the USA?
USA made errors which encouraged the USSR eventually, in April 1950, to support Kim’s invasion of South Korea
Where did Truman propose a temporarily divide?
Along the 38th parallel
Why did Truman propose this?
- Because of the Soviet troops moving to NK on 10th of August..
- American and Soviet troops overseeing the Japanese surrender in Korea
When did Syngman Rhee arrive in South Korea?
November 1945
Where had he been prior to this?
- He arrived from USA
- In political exile there since 1912 because of his political activity against Japanese colonialist rule in Korea.
Why was Rhee distrusted by the USA?
He was a ruthless authoritarian who was willing to use dictatorial methods.
When was the Representative Democratic Council established?
In February 1946, with Rhee as its leader
How did Rhee come to power?
In late 1946, AMG responded to Rhee’s suggestion of a new SK state and AMG supervised elections for an interim SK assembly.
When did Truman gain UN support for elections in Korea?
September 1947
When did UN order for elections to take place?
May 1948
Rhee won and became president of the Republic of Korea
When was the Acheson Defensive Perimeter Speech?
January 1950
What did he suggest?
It should be the collective duty of the UN to defend Korea because USA was looking at rising costs with defending more important areas in Asia (eg. Japan, Malaysia, Philippines and Western Europe)
What was the role of China?
Chinese colluded with the USSR over the North Korean attack on South Korea
Why did Mao offer support to Kim?
He was concerned about the US influence in Korea, as it bordered China’s industrial heartland Manchuria.
When did Mao meet with Kim?
In May 1950
What did he offer?
Offered to send Chinese forces to the Sino - Korean border.
How did Kim react to this?
Kim told Mao that the Koreans could take care of themselves
What was the role of North Korean and South Korea?
They were both motivated by Korean nationalism and desire for the reunification of the peninsula
What was Rhee’s view?
Favoured a pro-American, independent Korea with a capitalist economy and an authoritarian type of government
What was Kim’s view?
Favoured a pro-Soviet and pro-Chinese independent Korea with a one party communist state and state-controlled economy
When did the border clashes start?
Summer of 1948 and peaked in the summer of 1949
How many troops did Syngman Rhee have?
98,000
Why was he unsuccessful in receiving aid?
USA was focused on its ‘Europe First’ policy and because they did not trust Rhee
How many troops did Kim have?
135,000
What did Kim thought would happen if he was to invade South Korea?
Believed it would create a popular uprising of South Koreans against the autocratic and authoritarian Rhee
