IB HOA Paper 2 Study Guide: The Korean War (1950–1953)

These flashcards cover key events, terms, and outcomes related to the Korean War and its broader implications in the context of the Cold War.

North Korean Invasion

The event in June 1950 when North Korea nearly captured all of South Korea except for Pusan.

UN Counter-Attack

The military operation led by General MacArthur in September 1950, which included a landing at Inchon and the recapture of Seoul.

Stalemate

The period from 1951 to 1953 when the frontline stabilized at the 38th parallel and peace talks began.

38th parallel

The division line that split Korea into North and South after World War II.

NSC-68

A key document from the USA that led to the tripling of the military budget due to fears of Communist aggression post-Korean War.

DPRK

Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the official name for North Korea.

ROK

Republic of Korea, the official name for South Korea.

Proxy war

A conflict where two opposing countries or parties support combatants that serve their interests instead of waging war directly.

Ideological conflict

The struggle between differing beliefs, particularly in the context of Communism vs. Capitalism during the Cold War.

Armistice

An agreement signed in July 1953 to cease hostilities in the Korean War.