The Korean War (1950 - 1953)

Question 1

What was the ‘COLD WAR’? Who were the two main ‘SUPERPOWERS’ involved?

Answer 1

The Cold War was a war fought between America and the USSR, but it was done through every method except direct fighting.

Question 2

What were the two main ‘POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES’ of the Cold War?

Answer 2

America believed in Capitalism

The USSR believed in Communism

Question 3

What are some of the biggest differences between these two ideologies?

Answer 3

Communists believed that everyone should be equal and everything should be controlled by the government to ensure it is so.
Capitalism believed everyone had a right to live their life how they please, earn and spend money however and have a right to vote

Question 4

What was the Truman Doctrine?

Answer 4

March 1947, it promised the USA would come to the aid of any country in need of protection from Communism by sending:
- Money
- Advisers
- Support
- Weapons
in an attempt to 'contain' communism.

Question 5

What was the Marshall Plan?

Answer 5

The Marshall Plan was a U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe following the devastation of World War Two.

Question 6

What happened to Korea during and after WWII?

Answer 6

Korea had been ruled by Japan until 1945. When the war ended, the North surrendered to the Soviet Union and the South surrendered to America.

Question 7

What was the line called that separated North and South Korea?

Answer 7

38th Parallel

Question 8

What was the proper name of North Korea?

Answer 8

The People’s Republic of Korea

Question 9

What was the proper name of South Korea?

Answer 9

The Republic of Korea

Question 10

Who was the leader of North Korea?

Answer 10

Kim Il Sung

Question 11

Who was the leader of South Korea?

Answer 11

Syngman Rhee

Question 12

What kind of government did North Korea set up? Who were they supported by (other countries)?

Answer 12

A Communist government supported by the USSR and China

Question 13

What kind of government did South Korea set up? Who were they supported by (other countries)?

Answer 13

A Capitalist government supported by the USA (and later the UN)

Question 14

What did both leaders want to achieve?

Answer 14

A unified Korea

Question 15

When did the Korean War start (date, month, year)?

Answer 15

Sunday, 25th June 1950

Question 16

How did the Korean War start?

Answer 16

The North invaded the South as they believed the South would welcome the invasion in order to unite the country.

Question 17

Who did the USA ask to support them against North Korea?

Answer 17

The United Nations

Question 18

Why was the USSR unable to stop this from happening?

Answer 18

The USSR could have vetoed the attack but refused to attend meetings as China was not allowed to join.

Question 19

Who was the commander of US and UN forces in South Korea?

Answer 19

General Douglas MacArthur

Question 20

How many UN countries took part in the Korean War?

Answer 20

Sixteen countries not including South Koreans, not all countries sent troops but they did send medical units

Question 21

What were the Inchon Landings and when did they happen?

Answer 21

It was a surprise attack from the sea at Inchon that also allowed the South Koreans to push up from Pusan in 15th September 1950

Question 22

Why did China become involved in the Korean War? How did they become involved?

Answer 22

The UN fought their way into North Korea as they approved a plan to continue the attack. China’s leader Mao Zedong warned the UN that China would get involved if the invasion continued. This warning was ignored and by October, US forces had reached the Yalu River which was the border of China forcing them to join the war.

Question 23

What happened to the US commander as a result of China getting involved?

Answer 23

He got sacked from his position for his refusal to follow direct orders.

Question 24

By 1951, both sides had reached a STALEMATE. What does this mean?

Answer 24

Neither the UN forces or the Chinese or North Korean troops could gain the upper hand.

Question 25

When was an armistice signed?

Answer 25

27th July 1953

Question 26

Explain one positive effect of the Korean War for:

The UN

Answer 26

• Gained respect by taking prompt direct action

- Proved they were more effective than the League of Nations

Question 27

Explain one positive effect of the Korean War for:

The USA

Answer 27

• They were able to save South Korea from Communism

- Truman’s policy seemed to work

Question 28

Explain one positive effect of the Korean War for:

The USSR

Answer 28

• Achieved a close friendship with Communist China

Question 29

Explain one positive effect of the Korean War for:

China

Answer 29

• Gained respect from Asian Communist Supporters
• Saved North Korea from American control
• Achieved a close friendship with North Korea

Question 30

Explain one positive effect of the Korean War for:

North and South Korea

Answer 30

• No gains, they ended up just how they had begun

Question 31

Explain one negative effect of the Korean War for:

The UN

Answer 31

• Had over 30,000 casualties

- They were only able to act because of the USSR’s absence

Question 32

Explain one negative effect of the Korean War for:

The USA

Answer 32

• The USA defence spending increased from 12 billion to 60 billion dollars
• They experienced around 30,000 casualties

Question 33

Explain one negative effect of the Korean War for:

The USSR

Answer 33

• Forced into an expensive arms race with the USA

Question 34

Explain one negative effect of the Korean War for:

China

Answer 34

• Over half a million casualties
• Failed to win South Korea for Communism
• Suffered loss of potential trade with the USA

Question 35

Explain one negative effect of the Korean War for:

North and South Korea

Answer 35

• 80% of their industrial and government buildings were destroyed, so was half of all housing and transportation
• Experienced severe bombing