The Korean War Flashcards
Soviet success in developing the atomic bomb
From 1945-1949, USA had a nuclear monopoly
1949: USSR was successful in exploding its first atomic bomb.
Reason for tensions within korea: partition of korea
Japan controlled Korea from 1910-1945
Though both superpowers met several times form 1946-1947 on how to administer and unify korea, both sides failed to agree on how to unify korea.
In may 1948, the UN held national elections to set up a unified govt in korea.
Rise of china and its impact
The Chinese Communist Party won the Chinese Civil War and declared China a communist country in 1949.
In 1949, china, North Korea and Soviet Union met up to discuss military cooperation to support North Korea.
In 1949, both china and North Korea signed a mutual defence agreement.
In February 1950, china and the Soviet Union signed the Sino-Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual Assistance, whereby bth countries agreed to come to each other help if they were attacked.
Events leading to the Korean War: withdrawal of US and Soviet troops from korea.
Kim ll Sung, the leader of North Korea had requested the withdrawal of US and soviet troops from korea as early as 1947, a clear sign that he did not want foreign interference in the unification of korea.
The Soviet Union began its withdrawal from North Korea in late 1948, leaving well tried and well equipped North Korean troops behind. The USA began is withdrawal in June 1949(before the rise of communist China and soviet explosion of its atomic bomb), leaving only a few hundred men i South Korea.
Border clashes between North Korea and South Korea.
Border clashes between north and South Korea were common between 1949 and 1950.
The Attack by Soh Korean warships on North Korean military installations provoked the NKPA and resulted in fierce fighting between both sides.
North Korean’s invasion of South Korea in June 1950 set the stage for the start of the Korean War.
Involvement of the United Nations
On 25 June 1950, the UN Security Council condemned the North Korean invasion of South Korea and told North Korea to withdraw north of teh 38th parallel.
The UN Joint Command, with forces contributed by 16 member states, was sent to drive the NKPA forces back to teh 38th parallel under the leadership of MacArthur.
Entry of China in support of North Korea
On 27th September 1950, the USA consulted with the UN regarding its war aims and granted MacArthur permission to push further into North Korea on the conditions that Chinese and soviet forces did not enter North Korea.
Formation of the Southeast Asian Treaty Organisation(SEATO)
In 1954, SEATO was formed, comprising members such as USA, Britain, France and Thailand
It’s main aim was to prevent the spread of communism in the Asia-pacific.
Expansion of Cold War beyond Europe
Prior to the Korean War, the Cold War was only confined to Europe.
The Korean War set the precedent for proxy wars as it was the first time that the Cold War was fought outside Europe using third parties as substitutes for direct confrontation between the superpowers.
Take note of “globalisation of Cold War”
Eg Vietnam war and CMC
