Korean War

What country controlled Korea in the early 20th century, and how did they treat the Korean people?

Japan controlled Korea, outlawed Korean culture, forced assimilation, and exploited Koreans for labor and war efforts.

What was the significance of the 38th parallel after World War II?

It was a temporary line dividing Soviet and U.S. military zones in Korea to prevent Soviet domination.

Who were the first leaders of North and South Korea?

Kim Il-sung (North Korea, Soviet-backed) and Syngman Rhee (South Korea, U.S.-backed).

Why did Korea become divided after WWII?

The U.S. and Soviet Union disagreed on forming a unified government, leading to separate administrations and eventually two states.

What triggered the start of the Korean War in June 1950?

North Korean troops, under Kim Il-sung and with Soviet and Chinese support, invaded South Korea across the 38th parallel.

Why didn’t the Soviet Union veto U.N. action against North Korea?

They were boycotting Security Council meetings over the China representation issue.

What was the purpose of General MacArthur’s Inchon landing?

To cut off North Korean supply lines, retake Seoul, and reverse the North Korean advance.

How did the U.S. respond to the North Korean invasion?

Diplomatically through U.N. resolutions and militarily with troops, equipment, and leading a U.N. coalition.

What economic problems did postwar Korea face?

The South lacked infrastructure and resources after Japan's withdrawal, leading to unemployment and unrest.

What role did the United Nations play in the Korean conflict?

It passed resolutions condemning the invasion and authorized a multinational military response led by the U.S.

What was the outcome of the 1945 Yalta Conference regarding Korea?

The U.S. and USSR agreed to establish an international trusteeship for Korea, though details were vague and implementation failed.

What was the UN General Assembly Resolution 112 (1947)?

It called for Korea’s national independence and withdrawal of occupying forces, leading to the creation of a UN Temporary Commission.

Why was the Republic of Korea (South Korea) established in 1948?

After UN-supervised elections in the South, Syngman Rhee’s government formed with a new constitution, declaring independence.

What happened after South Korea declared independence in August 1948?

North Korea responded by founding the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, escalating division and tension.

Why was the South Korean military weak in 1950?

It was under-equipped, had few troops, and was weakened by rebellion and purges within its own army.

How did the Soviet Union and China support North Korea before the war?

The USSR provided weapons and training; China offered support after Mao's Communist victory and Stalin’s encouragement.

What were “comfort women” during the Japanese occupation of Korea?

Korean women kidnapped and forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during WWII.

What was the economic division between North and South Korea post-WWII?

The North had most heavy industry and energy production; the South was largely agrarian and dependent on the North.

What was the U.S. stance on Korea's strategic importance in early 1950?

Uncertain; Secretary of State Dean Acheson did not include Korea in the U.S. defensive perimeter.

What was the goal of the U.S. and UN during the Korean War?

Initially to repel North Korea’s invasion and defend South Korea, later considering unification of the peninsula under a democratic government.

Why did the U.S. propose the 38th parallel as a dividing line in Korea?

To quickly create a boundary preventing Soviet dominance in Korea while awaiting a permanent solution.

What happened on August 17, 1945, regarding Korea’s administration?

The U.S. and USSR agreed to divide Korea at the 38th parallel, with the Soviets occupying the north and the U.S. the south.

What effect did the return of millions of Koreans after WWII have on South Korea?

It caused economic strain, unemployment, and civil unrest due to limited resources and weak infrastructure.

What political advantage did the Soviet Union create in North Korea?

They installed a strong administrative structure, land reform, and united left-wing groups into the North Korean Workers' Party.

What was the impact of Soviet land reform in North Korea?

Land was redistributed to poor farmers, boosting popular support and pushing former landowners south.

Why was the joint U.S.-Soviet commission (1946–47) ineffective?

The U.S. and USSR disagreed over who should form Korea’s government, leading to political gridlock.

Why did Kim Il-sung want Stalin’s support before invading South Korea?

He needed assurance of Soviet backing and support from Mao’s China to launch a full-scale invasion.

What was the status of Korea's government immediately after Japan’s surrender in 1945?

There was no unified Korean government; multiple political factions emerged in both the north and south.

What military disadvantage did South Korea have in 1950?

Its army lacked tanks, combat aircraft, and heavy weapons compared to the Soviet-equipped North.

What was the significance of the UN Security Council Resolution 84 (July 1950)?

It authorized U.S. command over UN forces supporting South Korea during the war.