The Korean war (1950-53) Flashcards
What prompted the Korean war?
Korea had been occupied by Japan since 1910 so in 1945 when they left the Russians invaded and placed Kim Il Sung as leader, as soon as the US started losing interest in Korea, Kim would invade the south but would be met by UN forces.
Mao got involved when he realised that a north Korean defeat would place non-communists on China’s border. Mao was also manipulated by Stalin who hoped he would do most of the work without draining Russia’s resources.
What were the political effects of the war in China?
Mao launched the great terror against CR’s in 1950, the three and five antis were launched after the deployment of the PLA in North Korea.
Mao was allowed to eliminate possible opponents like Foreigners (excluding Russians) and Christian missionaries.
Mao promoted national unity launching a campaign denouncing America and calling for the aid of Korea. Not participating in rallies would lead to persecution, forced ‘donations’ of up to 3 months wages were collected, farmers had their crops requisitioned and taxes were rose to new levels.
Anti American propaganda was raised when Beijing declared that the Americans were dropping plague infested animals over Manchuria, this was undermined by the Russians who declared this to be fake.
What were the economical impacts of the Korean war on China?
War was very damaging to the Chinese economy, Over half of the government spending was on the war in 1951.
The focus of the war led to the neglect of necessary services leading to the slow in growth of industrialisation.
A trade embargo was placed on China by America which led to a 30% decrease in foreign trade in 1951.
Requisitioning of food led to famine in some regions of China.
How did the war in Korea lead to manpower losses?
About a million fell victim to the war. Most were ‘volunteers’, one of these volunteers was Mao’s eldest son who was burned to death in an incendiary raid.
How did the Korean war impact international relations?
The PRC could claim to be the most powerful communist organisation.
North Korea gave Manchuria greater security.
China banned from the UN
The USA was now the enemy
After Stalin died Sino-Soviet relations worsened because Mao had little respect for Kruschev.
