“The Korean War was caused by Kim Il Sung’s determination to create a united communist Korea.”

What does the statement claim caused the Korean War?

Kim Il Sung’s personal ambition to unify Korea under communism.

When did the Korean War begin?

June 1950, when North Korea crossed the 38th parallel.

Why was Kim Il Sung a major cause of the war?

He persistently pushed for an invasion and believed he could quickly defeat South Korea.

What evidence shows Kim Il Sung’s determination?

Repeated requests to Stalin (1949–50) for approval to invade; belief in a “lightning campaign.”

What actions did North Korea take before 1950 that indicate Kim was seeking conflict?

Launching guerrilla attacks and border clashes in 1949–50.

Why can’t Kim Il Sung be seen as the sole cause of the war?

He needed the approval and support of Stalin and Mao.

What changed Stalin’s mind in 1950, allowing Kim to invade?

Soviet atomic bomb success (1949), victory of Chinese communists (1949), and the belief the US wouldn’t intervene.

How did Mao contribute to the outbreak of the war?

He agreed to back Kim and promised Chinese support if necessary.

How did the United States inadvertently encourage the invasion?

Acheson’s Defensive Perimeter Speech (1950) excluded Korea from the US defence zone.

Why did Kim and Stalin think the US wouldn’t intervene?

The US focused on Europe, reduced aid to South Korea, and removed most troops.

What internal Korean factors increased the likelihood of war?

Rival regimes both wanted unification; border clashes and rebellions had already destabilised the peninsula.

How did Syngman Rhee contribute to tensions?

He also wanted to unify Korea under his control and encouraged provocative actions at the border.

Was the Korean War purely a Cold War conflict?

No, it was both a civil conflict and a Cold War battleground.

What is the best judgement on the issue?

Kim Il Sung was a key trigger, but the war resulted from a combination of Korean ambitions, superpower decisions, and US miscalculation.