The Korean War and Berlin Wall Flashcards
What led to the Korean War?
After WW2, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel, where the North was controlled by the Soviets, and the South controlled by the US.
Because both sides had claims over Korea, and different ideologies, North Korea invaded the south, thinking the US would not get involved.
When was the Korean War?
25th of June 1950, and was the first of the proxy wars.
What was the Korean War?
North Korea invaded the South on the 25th of June 1950. The UN, USSR and China were involved. The UN was able to pass a resolution to send personnel with military equipment to push the Chinese and North forces back, which resulted into the pushing back into China.
When was the Berlin Wall constructed?
August 1961
What caused the Berlin Wall to be constructed?
Germany was divided after the Potsdam agreement, and the Berlin Blockade resulted in the formation of two counties - the Federal republic of Germany (West) and the German Democratic Republic (East). The East could purchase goods which were unavailable to them in the west cheaply. Because of the large lifestyle differences between the sides, and the political ideologies, many people fled to the west.
What did Khrushchev suggest about Berlin?
Suggested berlin become neutral and everyone leave - however this was never agreed to, as a US spy plane was shot down before the conference, resulting in an increase in arms spending by JFK.
What was the Berlin Wall?
13th August, 1961, was known as barbed wire Sunday. The East German police and soldiers put a barbed wire fence that was 50km long. As a result, many families were separated. 48 hours later, sections of concrete fencing was constructed.
What were the reactions from the west?
No actions were taken to stop the construction of the wall, although more than 100 people died trying to cross the wall. JFK said ‘a wall is a hell of a lot better than war’
JFK gave a speech about how the wall was a representation of the failures of the communist system
What was life like in East Germany?
Collectivisation was introduced, where large industries were taken control of by the state. When farms became collective farms, many people left and thus starvation began to occur, as there were no farmers. the Stasi (state security) were the secret police in East Germany. Their role was to prevent the development of non-conformist or dissident ideas and behavior which criticises and challenges the government. This caused a mistrust amongst the people. Fear and intimation was used to control the people.
