The Korean War (1950 - 1953) Flashcards
What was the ‘COLD WAR’? Who were the two main ‘SUPERPOWERS’ involved?
The Cold War was a war fought between America and the USSR, but it was done through every method except direct fighting.
What were the two main ‘POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES’ of the Cold War?
America believed in Capitalism
The USSR believed in Communism
What are some of the biggest differences between these two ideologies?
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
What was the Truman Doctrine?
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.
What was the Marshall Plan?
The Marshall Plan was a U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe following the devastation of World War Two.
What happened to Korea during and after WWII?
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.
What was the line called that separated North and South Korea?
38th Parallel
What was the proper name of North Korea?
The People’s Republic of Korea
What was the proper name of South Korea?
The Republic of Korea
Who was the leader of North Korea?
Kim Il Sung
Who was the leader of South Korea?
Syngman Rhee
What kind of government did North Korea set up? Who were they supported by (other countries)?
A Communist government supported by the USSR and China
What kind of government did South Korea set up? Who were they supported by (other countries)?
A Capitalist government supported by the USA (and later the UN)
What did both leaders want to achieve?
A unified Korea
When did the Korean War start (date, month, year)?
Sunday, 25th June 1950
How did the Korean War start?
The North invaded the South as they believed the South would welcome the invasion in order to unite the country.
Who did the USA ask to support them against North Korea?
The United Nations
Why was the USSR unable to stop this from happening?
The USSR could have vetoed the attack but refused to attend meetings as China was not allowed to join.
Who was the commander of US and UN forces in South Korea?
General Douglas MacArthur
How many UN countries took part in the Korean War?
Sixteen countries not including South Koreans, not all countries sent troops but they did send medical units
What were the Inchon Landings and when did they happen?
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
Why did China become involved in the Korean War? How did they become involved?
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.
What happened to the US commander as a result of China getting involved?
He got sacked from his position for his refusal to follow direct orders.
By 1951, both sides had reached a STALEMATE. What does this mean?
Neither the UN forces or the Chinese or North Korean troops could gain the upper hand.
When was an armistice signed?
27th July 1953
Explain one positive effect of the Korean War for:
The UN
- Gained respect by taking prompt direct action
- Proved they were more effective than the League of Nations
Explain one positive effect of the Korean War for:
The USA
- They were able to save South Korea from Communism
- Truman’s policy seemed to work
Explain one positive effect of the Korean War for:
The USSR
- Achieved a close friendship with Communist China
Explain one positive effect of the Korean War for:
China
- Gained respect from Asian Communist Supporters
- Saved North Korea from American control
- Achieved a close friendship with North Korea
Explain one positive effect of the Korean War for:
North and South Korea
- No gains, they ended up just how they had begun
Explain one negative effect of the Korean War for:
The UN
- Had over 30,000 casualties
- They were only able to act because of the USSR’s absence
Explain one negative effect of the Korean War for:
The USA
- The USA defence spending increased from 12 billion to 60 billion dollars
- They experienced around 30,000 casualties
Explain one negative effect of the Korean War for:
The USSR
- Forced into an expensive arms race with the USA
Explain one negative effect of the Korean War for:
China
- Over half a million casualties
- Failed to win South Korea for Communism
- Suffered loss of potential trade with the USA
Explain one negative effect of the Korean War for:
North and South Korea
- 80% of their industrial and government buildings were destroyed, so was half of all housing and transportation
- Experienced severe bombing
