The Korean War was caused by the determined efforts of Kim ii sung to create a united communist Korea

Introduction

Partially agree - equal want from both Kim Il-sung and Syngman Rhee, meant a war was inevitable; neither side would back down from their long term wants

Agree

1. Kim stated he wanted a communist Korea/took direct action - first to use attacking tactics (guerrilla action)—believing force was only way to gain, and so he initiated the invasion with military force (Inchon landings, North take Seoul, Mao sends troops to Korea, China emerges as regional power) - Kim Il-sung first to actively take action, Rhee stated he wanted a capitalist Korea but didn’t take much action (rejected US help), Kim Il-sung had a plan in place to destabilize South/overrule Rhee’s ruling

2. Kim given USSR support, made him act to get the united communist Korea he wanted, Kim Il Sung's methods based on winning external support (China, Russia, SU etc.)

Disagree

1. Rhee wanted opposite but to the same extent (united capitalism)—he made it clear that he dedicated his whole life to this - 1948 CIA report stated 'Rhee had committed his whole life to try and reunite Korea', (counter - he made no real action as couldve allowed US to help more)

2. US foreign policy - it was Acheson's decision to include South Korea in defensive perimeter speech; final straw for Kim Il-sung to then act - Both Kim/Stalin didn't believe the USA would intervene, underestimated Southern forces, battle at 38th parallel for 2 years

Conclusion

Partial agreement