The Korean War (SBCS)

Question 1

What are the reasons for the outbreak of the Korean War?

Answer 1

1. North/South attempts at reunification
2. China and the desire to expand Communism in the Asia-Pacific
3. US desire to contain spread of Communism

Question 2

What are the North/South attempts at reunification? (Reason for outbreak)

Answer 2

Both Kim II Sung (DPRK) & Syngman Rhee (ROK) sought to unify Korea under their own rule
Both by FORCE
Rhee (Democratic)
Kim (Communist)

2 separate govts with OPPOSING IDEOLOGICAL & POLITICAL BELIEFS, both believed themselves to be the one to unify Korea under their own rule
Heightened hostility & tensions, reduced possibility of peaceful unification, both wanted to fulfill their intentions by force,
Tension-> War

Question 3

What was China’s desire to expand Communism? (Reasons for Outbreak)

Answer 3

• China saw North Korea as a buffer between US forces & China
• 1950 Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual Assistance
  : Promised mutual alliance in war
• Korea was an important area of influence, to further spread of communism
• Communist China strengthened the communist bloc, giving it greater ability and power to wage war
• Communist Korea would increase Soviet sphere of influence in the Asia-Pacific, the USSR and communist bloc was willing to wage war to spread communism

Question 4

What was USA’s desire to stop communism in the Asia-Pacific (Reasons for outbreak)

Answer 4

• After Defeat of Japan, USA establishes control in the Asia-Pacific
• Communist victory in China made them review policies, NSC-68 -> contain threat of spread of communism beyond Europe
• USA felt threatened by communist influence in Asia Pacific, undermined their security and democracy
• USA was willing to aid ROK militarily, invade DPRK and reunify Korea

Question 5

What was USA’s reason for involvement?

Answer 5

1) PREVENT SPREAD OF COMMUNISM
- Truman believed that Stalin was the mastermind behind NK invasion of SK, to spread communist influence
- Worried that if SK fell, Japan and other Asian countries would be next
- Intervened to support SK to contain the spread of Communism

2) BUILD CREDIBILITY OF UN
- Failure of LoN, believed that UN had to take a firm stand on Korea before it lost its credibility as an international organisation for world peace & security,
- Wanted to show UN had authority, its credibility would be at stake if they did not intervene
25 Jun 1950 -> condemned NK for invasion of SK
27 Jun -> Truman called for UN to use force
15 Sep -> US Inchon landing

Question 6

What was China’s reason for involvement?

Answer 6

1. DEFEND HER BORDERS
   - Perceived crossing of 38th parallel and Yalu river to be a security threat
   - Joined war in mid Oct 1950
   - Willing to help NK remain communist -> US & SK undermined their communist agenda
2. SUPPORTS NK
   - Maintain influence and control
   - Buffer zone against American forces in SK
   - 1949 mutual defence agreement between CCP & NK
   - Korean soldiers had fought for People’s Liberation Army in Chinese Civil War returned to NK