Causes Flashcards
What was a cause to do with America?
Americans fear of communism spreading.
Lot of anti communist feelings in USA by 1950s. This was because USSR had taken over many Eastern European countries by force and they had different political beliefs.
$2 billion had been given to nationalists to stop communists taking over, but Kai-shek had lost and retreated to Taiwan. China was now communist. Truman made a doctrine in 1947, which stated that America would stop communism.
What was a cause to do with division?
The division of Korea. USA took over southern part of Korea after japan had been defeated in WW2. USSR took over north, with communist leader Kim Il Sung who led DPRK from September 1948. He asked Stalin for help against the south. He claimed there were already 200,000 southern communist supporters. South was anti-communist and led by Syngman Rhee fro august 1948. He wanted to reunite Korea’s and get rid of communism. Urged USA to provide them with weapons. The hatred between Rhee and Sung led to nk invasion of south in 1950, using equipment from USSR and China. USA would have to respond.
What was a cause to do with communists?
Role of foreign communist powers.
USSR- initially Stalin wasn’t going to be part because didn’t want to upset USA. This changed after China became communist. He wanted to show of his strength to mao who was leader of Asia. Also he was upset about being forced to back down from Berlin blockade. Saw korea as opportunity to get back at USA. So provided In feb 1950 1600 artillery, 178 aircraft, 258 T-34 tanks. He refused to provide troops of fear of starting war with USA.
China- mao’s priority was regaining Taiwan and not to upset USA, so didn’t get involved. Allowed military volunteers in mid 1950 to support nk. In nov 1950 China was forced to intervene with pressure form Stalin and USSR
What was a cause to do with capitalists?
The role of foreign capitalist power.
USA- until 1949 USA main concern was japan. Also focused on USSR threat in Europe. This changed after nk invasion as press of communism alarmed USA. Truman sent warships and advisors immediately. USA believed nk trying to unsettle Asia and might spread to Europe. USA called for UN to help solve dispute.
UN- USSR boycotting security council of in because refused to accept communism government in China. USSR couldn’t veto resolution so immediate ceasefire was called. USA biggest contributor in UN so had say in actions. USA believed UN would protect sk. USA has international backing for getting involved.
