Reasons The Korean War Broke Out

Question 1

Reason 1:The division of Korea

Answer 1

Korea divided along 38th parallel
Japan surrendered to USA in the South and USSR in the north
Elections run by UN occurred in 1948
Kim 11 Sung was installed as North Koreas leader. Refused to hold elections
Syngman Rhee elected in south. Backed by US. He is their president.

Question 2

Reason 2: The bitter rivalry

Answer 2

Kim 11 Sung: fought in soviet army in ww11, wanted communism, passionately anti capitalist, unite everyone under Korean Peninsula under banner of communism.

Syngman Rhee: lived in USA since 1905, set up provisional gov In the south, strong US backing, anti communism, unite Korean Peninsula under banner of capitalism.

Question 3

Reason 3: support of Stalin

Answer 3

Stalin gave kim blessing for invading South Korea in 1950 after refusing the first time because
1. US troops had left SK
2. China was communist too
3. He had nuclear weapons now
4. Berlin blockade- 1948-49- needed a victory.

Helped Kim feel strong enough to attack the south as he provided weapons and funding.

Question 4

What was the main reason?

Answer 4

Support of Stalin: meant Kim 11 sung had confidence and strength to attack

Division of Korea: led to two countries but just a rivalry

Bitter rivalry: high tensions but didn’t mean war was inevitable.