Korean War - International Relations Flashcards
(13 cards)
What caused the Korean peninsula to divide over the 38th parallel?
defeat of Japan 1945
When was Northern full-scale invasion of the South Korea?
June 1950
Why could the USA organise a coalition under UN flag?
USSR was boycotting the UN over its refusal to recognise communist China
How many countries in USA’s coalition?
16
When did US land behind North Korean lines and what was the effect?
- September 1950
- North Koreans retreated
- Chinese sent forced into Korea and pushed back US
When was Korean War armistice signed?
July 1953
Who was Foreign Secretary in Britain during Korean War?
Ernest Bevin
Why did Ernest Bevin argue for joining Korean War?
- Participation would ‘demonstrate to the Americans that we were one of the two world powers outside Russia’
- First major challenge to credibility of the UN –> Britain founded member
- US needed to be committed to the defence of Europe and newly formed NATO alliance.
What were the successes of British involvement?
- British influenced decision in September 1950 to invade North
- December 1950, Attlee flew to Washington because he was mistakenly fearful that Truman might use nuclear weapons in Korea. British government would consequently be consulted before Americans considered using bomb
What were the limitations of British participation in the Korean War?
- 700 British forces killed but 34,000 American forces killed
- Invasion of North failed
- The promise to consult the British lapsed when Truman left office
Advantages to British participation:
- Britain demonstrated loyalty to USA
- Established the UN as effective agency
- NATO established a permanent military bureaucracy that tied USA defence of Europe
Disadvantages to British participation:
- Defence expenditure of added to economic difficulties of Britain, after WW2
What was the dividing line between North and South Korea?
38th parallel
