The Korean War Flashcards
When was the Korean War?
1950-1953
How did the Korean War start?
1950: North Koreans crossed the 38th parallel with the aim of imposing Communist control across the peninsula
What were China concerned with Pre-Korean War?
- Internal reunification (Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan)
- Wanted to reduce military expenditure
- Still trying to recover economically after Civil War (1946-49)
Why did Stalin want to involve China in the Korean War?
- Great gain for USSR with no military commitment, only political backing
- Would distract China from challenging USSR’s role as leader of international communism
- Prevent China from causing trouble over disputed territories in China (Manchuria)
- Great PR coup for international communism
How did Stalin involve Mao in the Korean War?
Wrote a letter in 1950, urging them to enter the war and strongly insinuating the USSR would follow
- manipulated China to get involved at a point when the Chinese were just trying to forge the PRC
Why did Mao agree to be involved in the Korean War?
Had a certain reliance on the USSR
- was having issues with reunification
- was running low on certain assets
Geographical location
- N.Korea and China share a border, so if the US won, China could be at risk of an invasion
Who was Zhou Enlai and what was his role?
China’s Foreign Minister
- declared ‘North Korea’s defense is our defense’
- triggered demonstrations in China to follow
Why did China decide they were fully engaged in the Korean War?
October 1950: US forces crossed the 38th parallel
How did the Korean War end?
1953: ended in a truce, largely due to US threatening nuclear might
(The Panmunjong Truce)
What were the negative consequences of the Korean War for China?
- Lost 1 million (25%) of their soldiers in a war they had been forced to enter
- US stood behind Taiwan until 1971 so it couldn’t be taken back by China
- Large economical cost
- Industrial resources diverted to help war effort
- 1950 Treaty: $300 million loan to USSR
- Locked China into further reliance on USSR for resources
- further exploitation
What were the positive consequences of the Korean War for China?
- Mao had stood up to US on the international stage and wasn’t defeated
- US was biggest superpower at the time
- China had fought for international communism, enhancing its standing
- USSR links were strengthened (close ally)
- Fostered ‘national pride’ in China
- important following the Civil War
- meant Mao could justify political and social repression as needed to create ‘unity’ in China
What were the effects on policy from the Korean War for China?
- Threat of nuclear might from US influenced Mao’s thinking on military power and spending on nuclear weaponry
- Difficult relations with USSR and US support for GMD drove Mao’s desire for China to stand alone in the world
