Chapter 6 - The Korean War (1950-1953)

Question 1

Which 2 people became the first leaders of North and South Korea?

Answer 1

• North = Kim Il Sung
• South = Syngman Rhee

Question 2

How did Kim Il-Sung persuade Stalin to support an attack on the South?

Answer 2

• would rapid and decisive victory
• there would be 200,000 communist supporters already in South
• There was well-organised Communist guerrilla force operating in South
• USA would not have time to intervene

Question 3

How did the situation change to get Stalin to agree to supporting North attack on South?

Answer 3

• Chinese communists had defeated nationalists and established People’s Republic of China
• Americans had not included South Korea in their Defensive Perimeter Strategy
• USSR had nuclear technology by 1950

Question 4

What were Stalin’s priorities in agreeing to North invasion of South?

Answer 4

• War in Korea could bring in USA = US-Soviet conflict could spread in Europe
• United communist Korean state as USSR ally could be positive = strengthen USSR borders, pressurise Japan (US’ principle ally in Asia)
• Stalling on supporting NK could mean China could become primary support and undermine Soviet influence in region

Question 5

What was China’s initial stance on the Korean War?

Answer 5

• Mao not concerned about future of Korea
• China didn’t initially intervene or offer any support, neither did it intend to
• Didn’t want to anger USA
• BUT China entered war after Truman ordered US 7th fleet to position itself between China and Taiwan to defend Taiwan

Question 6

What was USA’s initial stance on Korean War?

Answer 6

• Priority in Asia was Japan and reviving its economic strength
• North Korean invasion re-orientated US policy towards Korea
• Worry North Korea trying to destabilise Japan, Southeast Asia and Philippines, and influence position in Europe
• Acheson believed these areas in Far East would become unsettled if communist assault on South Korea was successful

Question 7

What was the UN’s initial stance on Korean War?

Answer 7

• USA requested special session of Security Council
• USSR boycotting due to USA refusing to let communist China join security council = could not veto
• Resolution requiring immediate ceasefire issued

Question 8

How was the UN useful to Truman during the beginning of the Korean War?

Answer 8

• Truman could legitimise USA intervention through UN intervention in Korea
• Removed possibility of USA appearing aggressive or interfering
• Removed responsibility of USA whilst ensuring response could achieve the results the USA wanted

Question 9

What were the key military events in the Korean War?

Answer 9

• June 1950 = NK invade SK
• Sep 1950 = MacArthur lands at Inchon and forces NK forces back across 38th parallel
• Oct 1950 = China enters war -> major counter-attack against UN forces
• Jan 1950 = Chinese forces pushed across 38th parallel and captured Seoul
• June 1951-July 1953 = stalemate and desire for peace

Question 10

What were the terms of the Panmunjom Armistice Agreement?

Answer 10

• Military demarcation line (38th parallel) with demilitarised zone of 2km each side
• All military forces to withdraw to own territory
• Repatriation of prisoners to begin

Question 11

What was the impact of the Korean War?

Answer 11

• Taiwan guaranteed by USA (so China couldn’t absorb it)
• High economic pressure on USSR = Stalin accelerated industrialisation in Eastern Europe = reduced availability of consumer goods
• US achieved containing spread of communism
• Military resources in Western Europe strengthened and Western Germany allowed to rearm