Establishing Communist Rule - Korean War Flashcards
(8 cards)
1
Q
Context of the Korean War
A
- 1950-53
- end of WW2 Korea divided along 38th parallel into north and south
- North Korea launched attack on southern enemy
- UN force made up of soldiers of 16 nations ordered to defend South Korea
- UN forces advanced towards Chinese border, PLA ordered to attack UN forces
2
Q
How did the resist America aid Korea campaign enhance CCP control?
A
- used war to accuse enemies of being spies
- 135,000 official executions during first half of 1951
- collective spirit forged in mass meetings that whipped hatred for the US
- posters put up showing senior American officials as vampires
3
Q
How did the model soldier hero enhance CCP control?
A
- Chinese people bombarded with propaganda tales of PLA bravery
- one Chinese lady so impressed with the stories she donated a whole weeks wages to the war effort
- farmers pledged to increase production and donate surplus crops to troops
- patriotic workers campaigns ‘our factory is our battlefield and our machines are our weapons’
4
Q
How did the Korean War enhance China’s international prestige?
A
- Mao had proved the west to be ‘paper tigers’
- showed China no longer a nation to be exploited or bullied
- Mao proved to be a tough leader who would assist allies against even the strongest nations
5
Q
How did the Korean war impact Taiwan?
A
- China forced to accept presence of Taiwan
- US seventh fleet patrolled Taiwan
- if Mao’s forces attacked Taiwan they would be easily defeated
- reunification became impossible - a big blow to Chinese national pride
6
Q
How did the Korean war impact relations with the west?
A
- Chinese intervention reinforced US mistaken belief of communist plan for global conquest
- Chinese seen as accomplices in Stalin’s evil communist empire
- US commitment to policy of containment caused military spending to reach $50 billion a year
7
Q
How did the Korean war impact relations with the Soviet Union?
A
- Korean War left China on Russian side of the cold war
- Mao succeeded in impressing Stalin
- PRC became totally dependant on Soviet economic aid and advice
8
Q
What was the personal cost of the Korean War for Mao?
A
- Mao’s son Anying, who Mao was very close to, was killed during an attack on PLA headquarters
- Mao urged his son to go to Korea
- Anying considered the one remaining person who could really unlock Mao
