Korean War Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why did the U.S. get involved in the Korean War?

Primarily because of the threat of Communist expansion by China, along with fear that the Soviet Union was working with China to create bombs. Korea was positioned at the 38th Parallel, which makes it an important point to hold in the area for political control.

What were the two fighting parties in Korea?

Republic of Korea (South Korea, anti-communist) and People's Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea, communist).

What and when was NSC 68?

A document created in April 1950 proposing what the Truman administration should do to end communism by diminishing it where it already exists instead of containment.

What and when was the Defense Perimeter Speech?

The Defense Perimeter Speech was made in January 1950 by Secretary of State Dean Acheson, stating that the U.S. would not assist South Korea in their political affairs. Signup and view all the answers

When was the start of the Korean War?

June 25th, 1950. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Korean War start when it did?

Increasing opposition in South Korea to Syngman Rhee, Kim Il Sung believed they could catch South Korea by surprise, and Stalin had changed his stance on the conflict. Signup and view all the answers

How did the US and UN react to the Korean War?

The US and UN met on June 27 and agreed to send troops to South Korea, with troops arriving by July 7. Signup and view all the answers

What were Truman's reasons for assistance in the Korean War?

To push back the invasion, restore peace, contain communism, and prevent the invasion of the south. Signup and view all the answers

What and when was the invasion at Inchon?

The invasion at Inchon occurred on September 15, 1950, approved by the Truman administration to recapture the peninsula. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Douglas MacArthur?

General who orchestrated the invasion at Inchon and pushed through Manchuria. Signup and view all the answers

How did Mao Zedong react to events in the Korean War?

Mao believed the U.S. was preparing to invade and started preparing his forces, responding with a counterattack in late November. Signup and view all the answers

How did General MacArthur react to the U.S. retreat?

He wanted to redeem himself and challenged Truman's authority, leading to his eventual firing. Signup and view all the answers

What were some obstacles to peace in the aftermath of the Korean War?

Issues included what to do with POWs and Stalin's inclination to start a war with the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Korean War conclude?

Under President Dwight Eisenhower, the Korean War concluded with an armistice on July 26, 1953. Signup and view all the answers

What were some diplomatic and political outcomes of the Korean War?

There was widespread fear of communism's spread, leading to West Germany rearming and increased defense spending. Signup and view all the answers

What were our defense budgets in and after the Korean War?

Total defense budget in 1950 was $13 billion, during the war was $50.5 billion, and Eisenhower's budget didn't go below $40 billion in the 1950s. Signup and view all the answers

How did France and the UN react to Germany's rearmament?

France opposed Germany's rearmament, while eventually UN allowed it under specific conditions. Signup and view all the answers

How did the UN and U.S. react to communist expansion post-Korean War?

They implemented a 'strong-arm' containment plan involving massive defense spending and an arms race with the Soviet Union. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

U.S. Involvement in the Korean War

Motivated by the threat of Communist expansion by China and concerns over Soviet collaboration with China to develop nuclear weapons.
The strategic significance of Korea at the 38th Parallel played a crucial role in U.S. political interests.

Fighting Parties in Korea

Republic of Korea (South Korea) is anti-communist.
People's Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) is communist.

NSC 68

Issued in April 1950; outlined proposals for U.S. response to grow communism.
Advocated for diminishing communism rather than mere containment and fostering division between North and South Korea.

Defense Perimeter Speech

Delivered by Secretary of State Dean Acheson in January 1950.
Indicated the lack of U.S. assistance to South Korea, perceived as a "greenlight" for North Korea's aggression.

Start of the Korean War

The war began on June 25, 1950, with a surprise attack from 90,000 North Korean troops.
North Korean forces rapidly overran South Korea, capturing most territories except Pusan.

Factors Leading to War's Timing

Dissent against South Korean leader Syngman Rhee was growing.
Kim Il Sung's belief that U.S. would not intervene, fueled by the Defense Perimeter Speech.
Stalin’s initial restraint changed, encouraging North Korea's ambitions, alongside support from China under Mao Zedong.

U.S. and UN Response

On June 27, 1950, the U.S. and UN agreed to send troops to South Korea.
Troops were deployed to South Korea by July 7, with the U.S. providing substantial support.

Truman's Justifications for Assistance

Aimed to repel North Korean invasion and restore peace.
Focused on containing communism and suspected Soviet influence.

Invasion at Inchon

Executed on September 15, 1950, to reclaim South Korea.
Within two weeks, North Korean forces were driven back, suffering heavy casualties.

Role of General Douglas MacArthur

Orchestrated the Inchon invasion and pushed into North Korea, reaching Pyongyang.
Eventually advanced towards the Manchurian border.

Mao Zedong's Reaction

Perceived U.S. actions as provocative, prepared a counter-offensive with significant troop mobilization.
Launched a counterattack in late November, resulting in high casualties for U.S. forces.

MacArthur's Response to Retreat

Challenged Truman's authority and called for stronger military actions against China.
Dismissed on April 11, 1951, replaced by General Matthew Ridgway.

Post-War Peace Obstacles

The resolution of POWs remained unresolved, with detainees sent to neutral countries.
Stalin’s intentions to provoke further conflict created an unstable situation until March 1953.

Conclusion of the Korean War

With Dwight Eisenhower as president, nuclear threats pressured for peace negotiations.
An armistice was signed on July 26, 1953, creating a demilitarized zone (DMZ) along the border.

Diplomatic and Political Outcomes

Fear of communism spread across Western Europe, particularly about West Germany.
West Germany began rearming, significantly increasing defense budgets post-war.

Defense Budgets

Total defense spending was $13 billion in 1950, escalating to $50.5 billion during the war.
Eisenhower's administration decreased spending but maintained budgets above $40 billion through the 1950s.

Reactions to Germany's Rearmament

France opposed German rearmament due to previous WWII destruction.
The UN eventually permitted German rearmament under conditions restricting its participation in NATO and the UN.

Post-Korean War Containment Strategy

Adoption of a "strong-arm" containment plan emphasizing substantial defense budgets and an arms race with the Soviet Union.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the Korean War with these flashcards. Learn about the reasons for U.S. involvement, the key parties in the conflict, and significant events that shaped this pivotal moment in history.