1. The Outbreak of the Korean War

What was Korea’s position between 1910 and 1945?

Korea was controlled by Japan, part of the Japanese empire which fought the allies during the Second World War, and there was fighting on Korean soil

What happened to Korea in 1945?

Japanese troops based in Korea surrendered to the Soviets in the North and the Americans in the South, with Korea being divided into Soviet and American zones

What were the consequences of the splitting of Korea?

North Korea received aid and military equipment from the Soviet Union, and South Korea received similar support from the USA. Both countries claimed to be the rulers of the whole country

What is the 38th Parallel?

the border between North and South Korea after the Second World War

What was President Trumans aims for South Korea?

President Truman was determined that South Korea should not become communist. The Americans were already trying to prevent the spread of communism in Europe and feared that, if South Korea fell to the communists, then there would be a domino effect and other countries would become communist as well (relating to containment)

What happened to South Korean leadership in 1947?

• the UN called for free, nationwide elections to elect a democratic government for the whole of Korea. These elections were held in the south under UNO supervision

• The Republic of Korea was set up under the presidency of Syngman Rhee, with its capital and centre of government in Seoul. This government was anti-communist, but not very democratic. Nevertheless, it had the support of the USA (shows how devoted they were to stopping communism)

What happened to North Korean leadership in 1947?

In the same year, the Soviets established the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea under the leadership of Kim Il-Sung with its capital and centre in Pyongyang. This was a communist government. Kim Il-Sung had spent many years in the Soviet Union and fought as a major in the Red Army, so the Soviets were guaranteed loyalty

What was the effect of both governments claiming to be the legitimate government of the whole of Korea?

It had always been intended that the 38h Parallel would be temporary and that the country would be reunified. However, the communists in the North now wanted to unify the country under their leadership, the South and the USA wanted a democratic Korea. Reunification did not seem likely.

What happened in Korea in June 1950?

Kim Il-Sung ordered the invasion of South Korea, having the support of both Soviet and Communist Chinese leaders. It was assumed the Americas would not intervene and they could take over.

Who did Truman blame for the invasion?

Truman was convinced that the Soviet Union had told North Korea to invade

Who was actually to blame for the invasion?

Stalin was not very keen on the invasion and the North Korean leader, Kim Il-Sun, pushed Stalin into agreeing

How did the UNO try to help during the Korean War?

• The UNO had been closely associated with the establishment of the new anti-communist government before in SK

• When North Korean troops crossed the border into SK the UN Security Council met on the same day - prompted by US demands

• In the eyes of the Security Council (esp the USA) elected government had been invaded by an aggressor nation with support from foreign powers.

What did the resolution passed on the day state?

“The Security Council…Noting with grave concern the armed attack on the Republic of Korea by forces from North Korea, determines that this action constitutes a breach of the peace, and calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities; Calls upon the authorities in North Korea to withdraw their armed forces to the 38th parallel.”

(In essence, the Security Council ordered the authorities in NK to withdraw their forces)

Why was the resolution passed by the UNO?

There was no Soviet representative on the Security Council since the Soviets were boycotting the UN since the USA refused to allow communist China into the UN

What was the next resolution passed when it became clear that NK had no intention of withdrawing its troops into SK?

Two days later:

“The Security Council…Recommend that members of the United Nations furnish such assistance to the Republic of Korea as may be necessary to repel the armed attack and to restore international peace and security.”

(In essence the UN wanted to send troops)

What was the UN resolution that made it clear how the military forces were to be led and organised?

Ten days later:

“The Security Council recommends that all members providing military force and other assistance pursuant to the aforesaid Security Council resolutions make such force and other assistance available to a unified command under the United States of America.”

(In essence, they would have to help and follow the USA)

Which country sent the most troops?

• The overwhelming part of the force was led by the US, with the commander, General MacArthur was also an American

• Nearly 90% of all army personnel, 93% of all air power and 86% of all naval power for the Korean War had come from America

What other countries helped in the KW?

Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Columbia, France, Greece, Nationalist China, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey and the Union of South Africa

What did the Korean war prove?

The United Nations was dominated by America

Where did United Nations forces arrive in Inchon?

September 1950