The Korean War 1950-1953 and Its Impact to 1977

Question 1

How and why was Korea divided in 1945

Answer 1

Divided in 1945 after Japan surrendered in world war 2 along the 38th parallel

North and south taken over by different ideologies leading to a permanent split because of no compromise

Question 2

Conditions in north and South Korea economically and politically prior to the Korean War.

Answer 2

North Korea: backed by Soviet Union, communist government under Kim il sung had state controlled industries and a centralised economy

Question 3

When and how did the Korean War start?

Answer 3

June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and launched a surprise invasion of South Korea, aiming to reunify Korea under communist rule.

Question 4

Reasons for the Korean War starting

Answer 4

North Korea: pushing for reunification under communist government rule

USSR: provided backing of North Korea t34 tanks

USA: showed lack of involvement with South Korea giving the north and ussr hope

China: confident after winning a war and also provided and said they would support North Korea

Question 5

Examples that facilitated the war

Answer 5

USSR, USA ,China

All provided support to their respective sides of Korea pushing them to want to reunify under their ideology causing the Korean War the ussr provided military support such as t34 tanks.

Question 6

Reasons to support the argument that the Korean War was a us war

Answer 6

The US led the UN forces, contributing most troops and resources.

It aligned with the US containment policy against communism.

US General Douglas MacArthur commanded the forces.

US public opinion heavily influenced decisions during the war.

The US viewed the war as part of the broader Cold War struggle against the USSR.

Question 7

Give reasons to support the argument that the Korean War was a UN war.

Answer 7

The UN Security Council authorized military intervention.

Troops from over 15 countries participated under the UN banner.

It was portrayed as a collective effort to repel aggression.

UN resolutions justified military actions.
The UN sought to restore international peace and security.

Question 8

Describe the key events of the Korean War. Include dates, troop numbers, and places.

Answer 8

June 25, 1950: North Korea invades South Korea.

September 1950: UN forces, led by the US, launch the Inchon Landing and recapture Seoul.

October 1950: UN troops push into North Korea but are repelled by Chinese forces.

July 27, 1953: Armistice signed, creating the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Question 9

Why did the US go over the 38th Parallel?

Answer 9

To push back North Korean forces and to attempt to reunify Korea under a pro-Western government.

Question 10

Why did the Chinese intervene?

Answer 10

To prevent the fall of North Korea, protect their border, and counter US influence in Asia.

Question 11

What was the effect of Chinese intervention on the Korean War?

Answer 11

It prolonged the war, pushed UN forces back, and led to a stalemate near the 38th parallel.

Question 12

Who was General Douglas MacArthur?

Answer 12

prominent American military leader who played a key role in the Pacific theater during World War II and later led United Nations forces during the early stages of the Korean War. Known for his strategic brilliance and strong personality, he was a controversial figure in U.S. military and political history.

Question 13

Why was General Douglas MacArthur sacked?

Answer 13

He openly criticized Truman’s policies, particularly the administration’s decision to limit the Korean War to avoid direct conflict with China or the Soviet Union. MacArthur sought to escalate the war, including using nuclear weapons and invading China,

Question 14

Why did the war develop into a stalemate?

Answer 14

The strength of Chinese reinforcements backing North Korea.

U.S. and UN forces’ reluctance to escalate the conflict into China or use nuclear weapons.

The rough terrain and lack of decisive advantages for either side.

Ongoing peace negotiations prolonged the conflict without major breakthroughs.

Question 15

What effect did US public opinion have on US involvement in the Korean War?

Answer 15

U.S. public opinion supported intervention in Korea, viewing it as part of the fight against communist expansion during the Cold War.

war dragged on, casualties mounted, and no clear victory emerged, public support waned. The war’s unpopularity contributed to growing criticism of the Truman administration.

Question 16

How did US public opinion change during the war and what effect did this changing opinion have?

Answer 16

Public opinion shifted from initial support to increasing disillusionment due to high casualties, prolonged stalemate, and lack of clear objectives.

Led to Truman’s decision not to seek reelection in 1952.

Question 17

How was the war finally ended and what were the terms of the peace deal?

Answer 17

signing of an armistice on July 27, 1953. The terms included:

A ceasefire agreement.

The establishment of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the 38th parallel.

A prisoner exchange program.

No formal peace treaty was signed, leaving North and South Korea technically at war.

Question 18

Positive and Negative Effects of the Outcome of the Korean War:

Answer 18

North Korea:
• Positive: Maintained communist regime; significant Chinese and Soviet support.
• Negative: Devastated economy, isolation from global community, and ongoing tensions with South Korea.

b. South Korea:
• Positive: Preserved independence and developed ties with the U.S., leading to economic growth and modernization.
• Negative: Suffered immense casualties and destruction during the war.

c. USA:
• Positive: Contained communism in Korea and reinforced alliances in Asia.
• Negative: Loss of thousands of soldiers and significant financial costs, with the war contributing to public disillusionment.

d. USSR:
• Positive: Strengthened ties with China and maintained influence in North Korea.
• Negative: Strained resources and contributed to increasing tensions with the U.S.

e. China:
• Positive: Established itself as a major communist power and secured a friendly North Korea as a buffer state.
• Negative: Suffered heavy casualties and economic strain from involvement in the war.

Question 19

What was SEATO?

Answer 19

The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) was a military alliance established in 1954 to counter communist expansion in Southeast Asia. It included members such as the U.S., UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Question 20

Was SEATO successful?

Answer 20

SEATO had limited success. While it helped prevent direct communist aggression in its member states, it failed to prevent insurgencies or influence key regional conflicts like the Vietnam War. It was dissolved in 1977 due to its ineffectiveness and lack of unity among members.

Question 21

What was the Non-Aligned Movement?

Answer 21

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was an organization of countries established during the Cold War that sought to remain independent of the influence of both the U.S.-led Western bloc and the Soviet-led Eastern bloc. It aimed to promote peace, disarmament, and economic cooperation.

Question 22

What happened at the Bandung Conference of 1955?

Answer 22

The Bandung Conference, held in Indonesia, brought together leaders from 29 Asian and African nations to discuss decolonization, racial equality, and economic cooperation. It was a precursor to the Non-Aligned Movement and emphasized solidarity among developing nations.

Question 23

Was the Non-Aligned Movement a success?

Answer 23

The NAM achieved some success by promoting independence and collaboration among developing countries. However, its impact was often limited by internal divisions, lack of cohesive policy, and the influence of Cold War superpowers on member states.

Question 24

What criticisms are there of the movement? (NAM)

Answer 24

Lack of unity among members due to differing political and economic priorities

Many member states were indirectly aligned with superpowers despite

Limited influence on global conflicts and economic inequality.

Accusations of being more symbolic than effective in achieving tangible results.