The Widening of the Cold War, 1949-1955: The Korean War - Military Involvement & Settlement

Question 1

What were the different armies called?

Answer 1

• North Korea: Korean People’s Army (KPA)
• South Korea: The Republic of Korea Army (ROKA)
• UN forces

Question 2

When did North Korea invade South Korea?

Answer 2

• On 25 June 1950

Question 3

Describe the first phase of the war: June - September 1950 (offensive)

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

Describe the second phase of the war: September - November 1950 (counter-offensive/offensive)

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

Describe the third phase of the war: December 1950 - July 1951 (stabilisation and negotiation)

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

Describe the fourth phase of the war: June 1951 - July 1953 (stalemate and peace)

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

What did the Panmunjom Armistice Agreement entail?

Answer 7

• Agreed in 27 July 1953
• 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
• Status quo is the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues

Question 8

What factors delayed agreements?

Answer 8

• 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)

Question 9

How did Syngman Rhee delay agreements?

Answer 9

• 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

Question 10

How did the US and the PRC complicate agreements?

Answer 10

• 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

Question 11

What factor helped reach final agreements?

Answer 11

• Newly elected US President Eisenhower

- Threatened use of nuclear weapons