1.4: Korean War Flashcards
(12 cards)
Why did the PRC get involved?
Mao convinced mass mobilisation of Chinese soldiers would quickly defeat Americans
Feared hostile Korea on Manchuria border: security threat
General McArthur was threatening to invade China
Rivalry with USSR
Stalin’s Motives
keep Mao dependent on Soviet money and military aid
Convinced China to get involved and sent tanks and ammunition: China forced to commit but Stalin pulled out
Mao’s Motives
wanted Stalin to provide PRC with tech and industry to make it a military power
wanted to establish China as the leading Communist power
War FFS 1951-53
North Korea invaded South June 1950
First time UN used military forces ever
250,000 Chinese troops sent (“secretly”)
Defence minister Peng Dehuai
Increased Chinese nationalism
“Resist America, Aid Korea, Preserve Our Homes, Defend the Nation”
propaganda unified population (patriotic parades, …)
common enemy. united minorities
SUCCESS: CCP Control
hatred for the USA=push out foreigners
extreme domestic measures justified (e.g Great Terror, 3+5 Antis)
collective resistance against capitalism (mass rallies, anti-USA propaganda…)
SUCCESS: Mao’s Power
public distracted = purged Party
became war hero, led China out of humiliation
SUCCESS: International
military strength boosted global prestige
PRC better reputation/Comm. than USSR (sacrificed more)
more security over Manchuria -> friendly neighbour NK
FAILURE: Manpower
1 million soldiers died, mostly conscripts
Mao’s son died -> mao sad?
FAILURES: Economic
50% gov spending 1951 was military -> shortages & diversion of industrial resources (led to delayed progress & 1st 5YP)
forced requisitioning = famine
US embargo led to 30% loss foreign trade
FAILURES: Sino-Soviet Tensions
Mao resented lack of USSR support
relations worsened due to Mao’s mistrust of Khrushchev
led to Sino-Soviet Split 1959
FAILURES: USA hostility
enemy solidified, encouraged stop of Comm. (domino theory)
US defended Taiwan, China not allowed into UN until 1972
increased involvement in Vietnam
