Korea Flashcards
(38 cards)
When was the Korean War?
1950-53
What happened in June 1950?
The KPA (North Korean Peoples Army) advanced quickly and pushed the South Korean forces to a small area around Pusan in South Korea
What happened in July 1950?
Fearing a communist takeover, the USA sent troops to support South Korea
What did the USA do in 1950 to help their efforts in Korea?
They appealed to the United Nations for help and its Security Council agreed the request. It was only passed, because the Soviets were boycotting the UN and could not vote against it.
Why were the Soviets boycotting the UN?
Because when the Chinese government became communist in 1949, it was removed from the Security Council
What happened in September 1950?
UN forces, led by General MacArthur, landed in Inchon and quickly pushed the North Koreans back over the 38th parallel and by October 1950 they had almost ‘rolled back’ the communists to the Yalu River on the border with China.
What happened in October 1950?
Because MacArthur had disobeyed Truman’s orders, and pushed to the Yalu river, China retaliated - invading Korea and driving the UN forces back below the 38th parallel.
What happened in June 1951?
More UN troops were deployed to Korea and the communists were eventually driven back to the 38th parallel
What happened in July 1953?
An armistice was finally signed at Panmunjom on the 38th parallel which left Korea divided as it had been in 1950 and still is today
When did North Korea invade South Korea?
25th June 1950
What were the main long term causes that led to the Korean War?
- The history of Korea was shaped by many wars over who would control. it. Both China and Japan ruled the nation for significant periods of time.
- Between 1910 and 1945, Korea was controlled by Japan. This ended at the end of WW2
- At the end of WW2, the Japanese in the north surrendered to the USSR, and those in the south to the USA
Where was Korea divided into two?
The 38th Parallel.
What was the original aim for Korea when it was divided?
- The division was supposed to be temporary. - The aim was for it to be a united and independent country.
- The UN was to organise elections that would achieve this.
Who did the Soviets enable to take power in the North after 1947 without an election?
Kim Il-Sung
Who took power in the south after an election?
USA supporter, Catholic and capitalist Syngman Rhee
What did the USSR zone of Korea become called?
The People’s Republic of Korea
What did the US zone of Korea become called?
The Republic of Korea
What did both leaders of N/S Korea share?
They were Nationalists - they both wanted a united country after the war. However, they each wanted the nation to be led by different ideologies
What was the capital of North Korea?
Pyongyang
What was the capital of South Korea?
Seoul
What did Kim Il-Sung ask Stalin in 1949?
- He asked for his support in an invasion of South Korea. He felt that the south would welcome them.
- However, Stalin did not think it was the right time as he did not want a fight against US troops still stationed in South Korea
How did Stalin’s circumstances about helping NK change in 1950?
The US troops had left South Korea; communists were in power in China; and the USSR had its own nuclear weapons. As a result, Stalin felt any future actions in Korea would not meet American opposition
What did Stalin begin doing in 1950?
- He started sending tanks, artillery and aircraft to North Korea, and gave the go-ahead for an invasion of the south.
- He stated that USSR soldiers would not be directly involved and if further supplies were needed NK should ask China
What event started the Korean War?
The Korean War broke out when North Korea invaded South Korea on 25th June, 1950
