Topic #3: The Korean War

Essential Question: Was the Korean War a successful example of containment?

Proxy War

Who: U.S. vs. Soviet Union

Where: Europe

When: 1945-1991

What: A war fought indirectly between two nations. The Cold War was filled with many proxy wars where there was no actual fighting, but fights between communism and capitalism.

• The U.S. and Soviet Union couldn’t directly fight each other due to the Mutually Assured Destruction. They could wipe each other out with their nuclear weapon, but they don’t want another war.

Why imp: Prevents another war.

The Dividing of Korea

After Japan surrenders to the Allies at the end of WWII, Korea is divided at the 38th parallel. In 1928, two governments were established:

• North Korea is communist and controlled by the Soviet Union. It’s leader is Kim Il Sung and it’s capital is Pyongyang.

• South Korea is capitalist and controlled by the U.S. It’s leader is Syngman Rhee and it’s capital is Seoul.

The Korean War

Who: North Korea vs. South Korea

Where: Korea

When: 1950-1953

What: Kim Il Sung wanted to unite the peninsula under communism. So he launches a surprise attack over the 38th parallel and pushes back South Korea who wasn’t prepared. The U.S. and U.N. go to war to support South Korea because they are worried that communism will spread in Asia.

• During the war, the countries pushed into each other back and forth until they settle on a boarder slightly north of the 38th parallel.

Why imp: It was the first major conflict of the Cold War showing how the U.S. and Soviet Union would fight indirectly through other countries. It also determined the split between the countries which is still the same today.

Battle of Inchon

Who: South Korea and U.S. (Douglas MacArthur) vs. North Korea

Where: South Korea

When: 1950

What: An amphibious assault led by the U.S., specifically Douglas MacArthur, which forces North Korea out of South Korea and liberates Seoul.

Why imp: It was a turning point in the Korean War helping the United Nations forces to gain the upper hand in the war.

Armistice

Who: North Korea and South Korea

Where: Korea

When: 1953

What: North Korea and South Korea agree to an armistice and to stop fighting, but the war never ends because they never agree on peace terms or make a treaty. The final borders aren’t much different than from before the war.

Why imp: It was a successful example of containment in Asia. It created the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), keeping the two countries separate, but creating a lot of tension.