The Korean War -> Military involvement and settlement Flashcards
What were the different armies called?
- North Korea: Korean People’s Army (KPA)
- South Korea: The Republic of Korea Army (ROKA)
- UN forces
When did North Korea invade South Korea?
On 25 June 1950
Describe the first phase of the war: June - September 1950 (offensive)
- On 25 June 1950, KPA advance into South Korea
- By early August they had conquered 90% of South Korea and reached a perimeter point close to Pusan
- Chinese troops were gathered in Manchuria to prepare for a move into Korea
- Through UN, 29 states committed to military, economic or medical aid
Describe the second phase of the war: September - November 1950 (counter-offensive/offensive)
- On 9 September 1950, MacArthur landed at Inchon and pushed KPA back across the 38th parallel
- US forces in Pusan pushed back with aid from Japan
- On 18 October 1950, PVA (PRC) troops sent 300,000 troops across Yalu River
- Major counter-attack against UN forces
Describe the third phase of the war: December 1950 - July 1951 (stabilisation and negotiation)
- On 5 December 1950, 13 UN states hand peace proposal to PRC and UN, rejected by PRC
- By January 1951, PVA pushed across 38th parallel and captured Seoul
- MacArthur dismissed in April 1951 - wanted to push into NK, fight PVA and use air strikes and nuclear weapons
- Truman feared USSR would become involved
- By July 1951, fighting had stabilised along 38th parallel
Describe the fourth phase of the war: June 1951 - July 1953 (stalemate and peace)
- Neither side mounted any significant military offensives during this period
- Lack of UN action convinced Mao and Stalin there was genuine desire for peace
- USA consolidated its relationship with Japan and more secure with involvement in Far East
- Many disagreements during negotiations, finally resulting in Panmunjom Armistice Agreement on 27 July 1953
When was the Panmunjom Armistice Agreement agreed?
27 July 1953
What did the Panmunjom Armistice Agreement entail?
- There was to be a military demarcation (dividing) line with a demilitarised zone of two kilometres on each side - line roughly that of the 38th parallel
- All military forces should withdraw to their respective territories
- The repatriation of prisoners would begin - the return of someone to their own country
- The pre-war status quo was restored but the impact of the war was far reaching
What is a status quo?
the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues
What factors delayed agreements?
- Conflicting ideologies between communist and capitalist leaders
- Stalin’s death in March 1953
- Rhee
- Each side wanting to gain advantages over each other in the battlefield (US and PRC)
How did Syngman Rhee delay agreements?
Rhee obstructed negotiations
- He wanted USA to develop stronger ties with SK, by increasing the USA’s dependency on SK as a part of US containment
How did the US and the PRC complicate agreements?
- Constantly sought for advantages over the other
PRC lacked resources to defeat UN forces - But the rout (defeat) of USA in NK in December 1950, showed PRC had a chance
- Mao agreed to negotiations for a truce so UN forces would withdraw - giving PRC a better chance of succeeding
- ‘Preparing for a long war while striving to end the war through peace negotiations’
- By May 1951, USA had secure position in battlefield to negotiate an end
- But had similar intentions
What factor helped reach final agreements?
Newly elected US President Eisenhower
- Threatened use of nuclear weapons
