Case Study of the Korean War, 1950-1953 Flashcards
(117 cards)
1
Q
What significant event occurred in December 1948 regarding North Korea?
A
USSR troops left North Korea
This withdrawal set the stage for future tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
2
Q
What was Kim’s first request to Stalin about?
A
Request for permission to attack South Korea, which was rejected
At this time, the Berlin Blockade was ongoing, and US troops were present in South Korea.
3
Q
What happened in June 1949 in South Korea?
A
US troops left South Korea
This withdrawal influenced North Korea’s military strategy.
4
Q
What was the outcome of Kim’s second request to Stalin in August 1949?
A
Request was rejected due to fears of direct Soviet involvement
Stalin was concerned about the atomic bomb monopoly held by the USA.
5
Q
What changed in January 1950 regarding Kim’s requests?
A
Kim’s third request was accepted
This acceptance was influenced by the formation of the Sino-Soviet Alliance.
6
Q
What did the USA’s defense perimeter speech imply for South Korea?
A
South Korea was not included in the defense perimeter
This led to Stalin feeling emboldened to approve Kim’s invasion of South Korea.
7
Q
What was presented by Kim in mid-May 1950?
A
His invasion plan to Mao, who gave his consent
This consent was crucial for the subsequent invasion of South Korea.
8
Q
When did North Korea invade South Korea?
A
25 June 1950
This invasion marked the beginning of the Korean War.
9
Q
What was the situation in South Korea by the end of August 1950?
A
Only Pusan had not fallen to North Korean forces
This indicated the rapid advance of North Korean troops.
10
Q
What significant military action did MacArthur take in September 1950?
A
Advanced to the Yalu River, near China
This maneuver brought US forces close to the Chinese border.
11
Q
What was the date of the armistice that ended hostilities in the Korean War?
A
27 July 1953
This armistice established the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
12
Q
What was a key reason for the outbreak of the Korean War?
A
Permanent division at the 38th parallel
Elections were held in South Korea, but none in North Korea, leading to different ambitions.
13
Q
Who were the leaders of South Korea and North Korea during the Korean War?
A
- Syngman Rhee (South Korea)
- Kim Il-sung (North Korea)
Both leaders had aspirations to unify Korea under their respective governments.
14
Q
What role did Syngman Rhee’s actions play in the Korean War?
A
Provided a pretext for Kim to attack South Korea
Rhee’s aggressive policies and unpopularity were factors that emboldened North Korea.
15
Q
What was Stalin’s initial stance regarding North Korea’s invasion of South Korea?
A
Reluctant to support the invasion
Stalin was concerned about provoking the USA.
16
Q
What were the reasons for the USA’s withdrawal from South Korea?
A
- South Korea was not considered strategically important
- To prevent Syngman Rhee from launching an offensive against North Korea
This withdrawal misled Stalin about US intentions.
17
Q
What document committed the USA to a stronger stance against communist threats?
A
NSC-68
This document was a response to the fall of China to communism.
18
Q
What was the UN’s response to North Korea’s invasion of South Korea?
A
Called for an emergency meeting to condemn the invasion
This meeting was crucial for UN intervention in the Korean War.
19
Q
What was a significant factor in the UN’s ability to intervene in the Korean War?
A
Absence of the USSR in the UN Security Council
The USSR was boycotting the UN, allowing for resolutions to pass without a veto.
20
Q
Why did the USA prefer UN involvement in the Korean War?
A
To prevent escalation of Cold War confrontation
This allowed the US to portray the conflict as a police action rather than direct aggression.
21
Q
What motivated China to get involved in the Korean War?
A
Fear of US intervention extending to China
China was concerned about the USA’s support for the KMT and potential threats to its independence.
22
Q
What pressure did Stalin and his CCP colleagues exert on China?
A
To take action against the USA to defend China’s independence and obtain national security.
23
Q
Why did China fear the USA during this period?
A
The USA were allies with Taiwan.
24
Q
What involvement did China have in the Korean War?
A
To stop possible western aggression and protect North Korea.
25
Why was North Korea important to China?
It served as a strategic buffer zone against Western invasion.
26
What moral obligation did China feel towards North Korea?
To assist their ally, which had helped them in the Chinese civil war.
27
What treaty did Mao sign with the USSR?
Sino-Soviet Treaty.
28
What was the USA's strategy regarding the Korean War?
To minimize the scale of the war.
29
What did Eisenhower threaten to use against China if the armistice was not signed?
Nuclear weapons.
30
What led to the sacking of MacArthur?
He was pro-intervention and critical of Truman's orders.
31
What did MacArthur disregard regarding troop movements?
He did not stop before the Yalu River.
32
What type of war was the Korean War considered by some?
Civil war.
33
What was the intention of both Koreas regarding unification?
To unify Korea under their own leadership.
34
What was a key factor in the involvement of superpowers in the Korean War?
Kim's persuasion led to USSR and China being involved.
35
What was the USSR's motive for supporting North Korea?
To spread communism to Asia and counter US influence.
36
How was the Korean War characterized in terms of superpower involvement?
As a proxy war with direct control by the USSR.
37
Who was blamed for provoking the Korean War?
Syngman Rhee for destabilizing Korea.
38
What did Kim seek from Stalin before invading South Korea?
Approval and support.
39
What did the withdrawal of US troops signify?
No heavy weapons were provided to South Korea.
40
Fill in the blank: The Korean War was considered a _______ before superpower involvement.
civil war
41
True or False: The USA wanted to attack China during the Korean War.
False
42
What was agreed upon at the Potsdam Conference regarding Korea?
The Western powers agreed to divide Korea, with the USSR occupying the north of the 38th parallel.
## Footnote
This division set the stage for the later conflict between North and South Korea.
43
What did the UN call for in 1947 regarding Korea?
The UN called for free elections to be held in Korea.
## Footnote
This was part of the efforts to establish a democratic government in the region.
44
What happened in 1948 concerning elections in Korea?
The UN Commission on Korea conducted national elections in South Korea, but the USSR refused to allow the UN commission to enter North Korea.
## Footnote
This refusal led to the establishment of two separate governments in Korea.
45
Who became the leader of North Korea after its establishment?
Kim Il Sung became the leader of North Korea after its establishment as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
## Footnote
Kim Il Sung's leadership was supported by the Soviet Union.
46
Who was elected as President of South Korea in the free elections?
Syngman Rhee was elected as President of South Korea.
## Footnote
His election was a significant moment in the establishment of South Korea's government.
47
What was the initial stance of the USA and UN towards Syngman Rhee?
Syngman Rhee initially received support from both the USA and the UN.
## Footnote
This support was crucial for him to secure leadership in South Korea.
48
What actions did Syngman Rhee take against political opponents?
Rhee arrested and executed political opponents as his leadership became increasingly violent.
## Footnote
This violence raised concerns about his governance.
49
How did the USA view Syngman Rhee as his leadership continued?
The USA viewed Rhee as rash and imprudent.
## Footnote
This perception affected the level of military support provided to South Korea.
50
What type of military support did the USA provide to South Korea?
The USA provided the South Korean army with only light weapons.
## Footnote
This was due to concerns about Rhee's aggressive actions.
51
What aggressive actions did South Korea take between 1949 and 1950?
South Korea attempted to capture territories in North Korea, including an attack on North Korea at the Taedong River in July 1949.
## Footnote
These actions were largely unsuccessful due to limited military strength.
52
What was the effect of South Korea's military actions on US support?
The aggressive actions led the USA to become more hesitant to supply heavy weapons.
## Footnote
There was a fear that South Korea might draw the USA into a larger conflict.
53
What did Kim Il Sung seek from the USSR?
Kim Il Sung sought support from the USSR to rebuild North Korea and to invade South Korea.
## Footnote
This request highlighted the tensions between the two Koreas and the influence of the USSR.
54
True or False: The USSR allowed the UN commission to enter North Korea during the elections.
False.
## Footnote
The USSR's refusal to allow the UN commission to enter led to the division of Korea.
55
What did Kim II Sung seek from the USSR?
Support to rebuild North Korea and to invade South Korea
## Footnote
Kim II Sung aimed to gain military and economic support from the USSR for his plans.
56
What did Stalin provide to the North Korean People's Army?
Soviet tanks and artillery
## Footnote
This military support was crucial for North Korea's invasion plans.
57
Why did Stalin caution Kim II Sung regarding the conflict?
He wanted to avoid direct Soviet engagement in another war
## Footnote
Stalin was concerned about the implications of another Soviet military involvement.
58
When did the USSR successfully test its first atomic bomb?
August 1949
## Footnote
This event marked a significant turning point in the nuclear arms race.
59
What was the impact of the USSR testing its atomic bomb on US-Soviet relations?
The USA could no longer use its atomic bomb superiority as leverage
## Footnote
The balance of power shifted with the USSR achieving nuclear capability.
60
When did China officially become a Communist state?
October 1949
## Footnote
This followed the victory of the Chinese Communist Party over the Kuomintang.
61
Who emerged as the leader of the People's Republic of China?
Mao Zedong
## Footnote
Mao Zedong's leadership marked a significant change in China's political landscape.
62
What treaty did China and the USSR sign in February 1950?
Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance, and Mutual Assistance
## Footnote
This treaty solidified the alliance between China and the USSR.
63
What did US Secretary of State Dean Acheson emphasize in his Defense Perimeter Speech?
The importance of Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines while excluding Korea
## Footnote
This speech shaped US foreign policy towards Asia and influenced Soviet perceptions.
64
What was the significance of NSC68 issued by the National Security Council in April 1950?
It advocated a more aggressive response to the Cold War, shifting from containment to rollback
## Footnote
This document represented a significant change in US foreign policy strategy.
65
What document did the National Security Council issue in April 1950 that shifted US policy towards communism?
NSC68
## Footnote
NSC68 advocated shifting from containment to rollback of communism.
66
What type of military support did the USSR provide to North Korea?
Tanks, guns, artillery, and fighter planes
## Footnote
Soviet advisors were also sent to train the North Korean People's Army.
67
What was the USA's strategy for involvement in the Korean War?
Backing by the UN
## Footnote
General Douglas MacArthur was appointed to lead the UN forces in Korea.
68
Approximately how many US soldiers died during the Korean War?
40,000
## Footnote
The USA contributed the largest number of soldiers to the UN force, approximately 250,000.
69
What action did the UN Security Council take in response to the North Korean invasion of South Korea?
Unanimously condemned the invasion
## Footnote
This was a result of the USSR's absence due to its boycott over Taiwan's UN representation.
70
How many member states contributed troops to the UN joint command force in the Korean War?
16 member states
## Footnote
The UN's involvement was crucial in supporting South Korea.
71
What agreement did China and North Korea sign in March 1949?
Mutual defense agreement
## Footnote
This committed China to support North Korea's invasion of South Korea.
72
What was the purpose of the Sino-Soviet Treaty concerning North Korea?
Allowed indirect Soviet support
## Footnote
This support was provided through China.
73
What previous experience did some North Korean officers have before the Korean War?
Fought for the CCP in the Chinese Civil War
## Footnote
This experience gave them valuable military skills.
74
On what date did Chinese troops cross the Yalu River to support North Korea?
October 14, 1950
## Footnote
This was a significant escalation in the conflict against the USA and UN troops.
75
What was one reason for UN involvement in the Korean War?
UN was created after WW2 to uphold international peace and order
## Footnote
The USA viewed the invasion as a direct challenge to the UN and believed that failure to act would make the UN appear weak, similar to the League of Nations.
76
How did the absence of the USSR impact UN intervention in the Korean War?
USSR was boycotting the UN and was absent from the vote, preventing it from exercising its veto power
## Footnote
The USSR's absence allowed 9 out of 11 countries in the Security Council to support intervention, leading to decisive action.
77
What was the USA's perspective on the invasion of South Korea?
It was seen as an open communist challenge to US power in Asia
## Footnote
The USA opted for UN involvement to avoid escalating Cold War tensions with the USSR.
78
Why did the USA prefer UN intervention over unilateral action?
UN intervention would prevent escalation of Cold War confrontation
## Footnote
It reframed the conflict as a police action rather than a direct conflict between superpowers.
79
What did the USA aim to portray through UN intervention?
To portray the USSR and North Korea as the aggressors
## Footnote
This narrative supported US interests in the region during the Korean War.
80
Fill in the blank: The USA supported the _______ in China which fled to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War.
KMT
81
What concern did China have regarding US intervention in Korea?
China feared that the USA would extend its intervention and invade China
## Footnote
This concern was rooted in the historical context of the Chinese Civil War.
82
What were the fears that led to China's involvement in the Korean War?
Fears worsened when MacArthur continued to drive towards the Yalu River, which was very near China.
## Footnote
This heightened concerns over US invasion and aggression.
83
What pressure did Mao face regarding China's involvement in the Korean War?
Mao came under pressure from Stalin and his CCP colleagues to take action against the USA to defend China's independence and obtain national security.
## Footnote
This pressure was significant in shaping China's military decisions.
84
Why did China feel morally obliged to assist North Korea during the Korean War?
North Korea was a traditional ally of China and had helped them in the Chinese Civil War.
## Footnote
Supporting North Korea was also seen as necessary to protect against Western invasion.
85
What role did North Korea play in China's strategic interests during the Korean War?
North Korea served as a strategic buffer zone against Western invasion.
## Footnote
Maintaining North Korea's sovereignty was crucial for China's national security.
86
How did China's alliance with the USSR influence its involvement in the Korean War?
Mao needed USSR's support for his planned invasion of Taiwan and thus had to support North Korea to gain Stalin's support.
## Footnote
The Sino-Soviet Treaty was a key factor in this alliance.
87
Fill in the blank: China got involved in the Korean War to stop any possible _______.
Western Aggression.
88
True or False: China's involvement in the Korean War was solely to protect North Korea.
False.
89
What was the significance of MacArthur's actions in relation to China's fears?
MacArthur's actions were perceived as a direct threat to China's national security, prompting their involvement in the war.
90
What event initiated the Korean War?
North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950
## Footnote
Seoul was captured within 3 days of the invasion.
91
What was the situation in South Korea by early July 1950?
Only Pusan was standing in South Korea, leading to swift American entry
## Footnote
This marked a critical point in the conflict.
92
What strategy did General Douglas MacArthur develop during the Korean War?
To strike behind enemy lines, aiming to split North Korean forces and sever communication routes
## Footnote
This strategy was pivotal in reclaiming Seoul.
93
What were the outcomes of the Inchon landings?
UN forces successfully reclaimed Seoul and restored the South Korean government
## Footnote
This led to the retreat of North Korean troops.
94
What was the primary goal of the Korean War?
To rescue South Korea from North Korean Communist invaders
## Footnote
Maintaining positions at the 38th parallel was a reasonable approach.
95
What was the risk of maintaining positions at the 38th parallel?
It could be viewed as a sign of American fear and weakness
## Footnote
This perception could have geopolitical consequences.
96
What did the USA do on September 27, 1950?
Consulted the UN about war objectives and granted MacArthur permission to advance into North Korea
## Footnote
This decision was contingent on the absence of Soviet or Chinese troops.
97
What warning did China issue in October 1950?
If American forces crossed the 38th parallel, China would intervene
## Footnote
This warning highlighted the risks of American troop proximity to Chinese territory.
98
What was the effect of the warning from China?
It forced a retreat of American troops
## Footnote
The warning underscored the delicate balance of power in the region.
99
Fill in the blank: The Korean War began on _______.
June 25, 1950
100
True or False: The Inchon landings were a failure for UN forces.
False
## Footnote
The landings were highly successful.
101
What was President Truman's stance on engaging in a full-scale war with China during the Korean War?
Truman was hesitant to engage in a full-scale war with China but was also unwilling to abandon Korea.
## Footnote
Truman considered using the atomic bomb but feared it might escalate the conflict with the USSR.
102
What did General MacArthur threaten regarding the conflict in Korea?
MacArthur threatened to use nuclear weapons due to Truman's reluctance to adopt a more aggressive approach.
## Footnote
This threat was part of MacArthur's push for a more forceful military strategy.
103
What action did President Truman take in April 1951 regarding General MacArthur?
Truman dismissed MacArthur and appointed General Ridgway as his replacement.
## Footnote
This decision was influenced by MacArthur's public disagreements with Truman's strategy.
104
What led to Truman's decision against seeking reelection in 1952?
The prolonged and expensive Korean War led to Truman's unpopularity, prompting his decision not to seek reelection.
## Footnote
This political context set the stage for Dwight Eisenhower's candidacy.
105
What was one of Dwight Eisenhower's campaign promises regarding the Korean War?
To bring an end to the Korean War.
## Footnote
Eisenhower's promise reflected public sentiment and the desire for resolution.
106
What was the significance of March 1953 in the context of the Korean War?
The new Soviet leadership was able to negotiate an armistice following Stalin's death.
## Footnote
The change in Soviet leadership influenced the dynamics of the war negotiations.
107
What motivated the USSR to end the Korean War?
To prevent further harm to their economy.
## Footnote
Economic considerations were crucial for the USSR in the context of the war's prolonged duration.
108
When did armistice negotiations for the Korean War take place?
From July 1951 to July 1953.
## Footnote
These negotiations were marked by various contentious issues.
109
What were some issues that caused disagreements during the armistice negotiations?
Disputes over the division line of Korea and controversies regarding the treatment of Korean POWs.
## Footnote
Specifically, the issues included whether POWs could return to North Korea or choose to stay in South Korea.
110
On what date was the armistice for the Korean War signed?
July 27, 1953.
## Footnote
The armistice was signed by the USA, China, and North Korea, while South Korea did not sign but had little choice but to accept the terms.
111
What was the primary motive of the USSR in supporting North Korea during the Korean War?
To spread communism to Asia and counter US influence in Japan
## Footnote
The USSR aimed for North Korea's conquest of South Korea to facilitate this goal.
112
What type of conflict was the Korean War characterized as?
A proxy war
## Footnote
The USSR exercised direct control over communist countries involved, which acted as substitutes for its interests.
113
What support did the USSR provide to North Korea during the Korean War?
Weapons and support
## Footnote
The USSR had control over communist countries involved in the war.
114
What was the intention of both Koreas prior to the involvement of superpowers?
To unify Korea under their own leadership
## Footnote
This intention existed long before the superpowers became directly involved.
115
Why did superpowers intend to withdraw from Korea?
To focus on the Cold War in Europe
## Footnote
The shifting focus of superpowers contributed to the dynamics of the Korean War.
116
Who persuaded the USSR and China to become involved in the Korean War?
Kim
## Footnote
Kim's influence was significant in garnering support from these superpowers.
117
Was the Korean War a civil war before the involvement of the USSR?
Yes
## Footnote
The conflict had civil war characteristics long before superpower involvement.
