The Korean War Flashcards
1
Q
Position and Aims of Kim II Sung
A
- Chairman of Korean Provisional People’s committee (Provisional Government)
- Development of extensive guerrilla action
- Developed a strategy based on winning external support
2
Q
Positions and Aims of Syngman Rhee
A
- Americans wanted Provisional government in South Korea anti-communist
- 1948 CIA report stated ‘Rhee had devoted his whole life to independent Korea and refused to deal with communists’
- Nationalist and a virulent anti-communist
- Argued defending a border with Manchuria was better than defending the 38th parallel
3
Q
Division of Korea 1945
A
- Truman wanted to prevent Soviet occupation of Korean peninsula as liberated from Japanese by Soviets
- Stalin agreed Truman’s plan to divide Korea but USSR began to treat North Korea as sphere of Soviet influence
4
Q
Plan proposed to Stalin by Kim II Sung
A
- Proposed plan to Stalin
- rapid and decisive victory
- Hard core 200,000 communist supporters in South
- Well organised communist guerrilla force in South
- USA not have time to intervene
5
Q
USSR Stance
A
- Kim Sung approached Stalin March 1949
- Stalin aware of 7,500 US troops in South Korea
- 1950 stance changed as Chinese Communists defeated the nationalists
- Americans not included Korea in their defensive perimeter
- April 1950 Stalin clear that he would not commit Soviet forces
- Indirect military support was the best option
- Due to USSR’s inferior position compared to USA
6
Q
What did Stalin initially provide North Korea
A
- Stalin provided North with:
- 1600 Artillery
- 178 military aircraft
- 258 T-34 tanks
7
Q
What influenced Stalin’s thinking with regard to troops in Korea
A
- War in Korea may lead to US getting involved and lead to US-Soviet conflict that could spread into Europe
- United communist Korea would be a good ally for USSR
- Strengthen Soviet borders and pressure Japan
- If Stalin stalls support Kim Sung could turn to China for primary support and therefore undermine Soviet influence
- USSR had nuclear technology by 1950
8
Q
China Stance on Korean War
A
- Mao priorities in 1949 were consolidating control of Chinese territories through regaining control of Taiwan from the nationalists
- Initially Mao didn’t provide support even as late as April 1950 didn’t want to inflame the USA
- Truman Ordered less emphasis on China but addressed more immediate geostrategic priorities.
- Response by USA activated China’s involvement as Truman ordered US 7th Fleet to defend Taiwan
- August 1950 stated if US won the war would become more arrogant and invade China so China sent ‘volunteers’ to North Korea
- November 1950 China compelled to intervene due to pressure of Stalin
9
Q
USA View on Korea
A
- Until 1949 security based on Japan
- Struggle in Korea was of second importance
- USA regarded USSR as greatest threat in Europe rather than Asia assuming defensive perimeter states secured
- Korean invasion changed fundamentals
- May 1951 Dean Acheson took the View North Korea’s purpose was to destabilise Japan and the South East
- Stability in Europe may be weakened if communists win
10
Q
United Nations
A
- As soon as invasion made know US called a special session of security session
- USSR was boycotting the security council due to decision not to recognise Mao
- USSR could not use power of veto to block Security Council action, therefore requiring immediate ceasefire
- Truman able to legitimise invasion of Korea by turning it into UN intervention
11
Q
Military Involvement
A
- Immediate US intervention under auspices of the United Nations prevented rapid North Korea victory
- UN force led by General Douglas MacArthur and war consisted of four phases
12
Q
Phase 1 June-September 1950 (Offensive)
A
- Forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea advanced into South Korea and reached a perimeter point close to Pusan
- Chinese troops were massed in Manchuria in readiness for a move into Korea
- Through United Nations, 29 stated committed to military, economic or medical aid
13
Q
Phase 2 September-November 1950 (Counter-offensive/offensive)
A
- MacArthur landed at Inchon and succeeded in forcing North Korean forces back across the 38th parallel
- October Mao sent 300,000 Chinese troops across the Yalu River into North Korea
- This led to major counter offensive against UN forces
14
Q
Phase 3 December 1950-June 1951
A
- By January Chinese push across 38th parallel and capture Seoul
- February UN condemned China as an aggressor
- MacArthur dismissed by Truman in April because he demanded US forces push into North Korea and engage the Chinese and use airstrikes and nukes
- By June USA showing willingness of a ceasefire
15
Q
Phase 4 June 1951 - July 1953
A
- Neither mounted any significant offensive
- Lack of UN action convinced Mao and Stalin that genuine desire for settlement
- USA had consolidated its relationship with Japan
16
Q
Settlement of Korean War
A
- Panmunjom Armistice Agreement confirmed
- Military demarcation line with a demilitarised zone of two km either side roughly 38th parallel
- All military forces to withdraw to their respective territories
- Repatriation of prisioners should begin
17
Q
Impact of Korean War
A
- Long term security of North and South Korea confirmed
- China’s chance of regaining Taiwan was gone as security was guaranteed by the USA
- Huge economic pressures on the USSR led to Stalin accelerating industrialisation of Eastern Europe
