The Korean War Overview

The Korean War (1950-1953)

• North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950, a divided peninsula with North Korea supported by the Soviet Union and South Korea by the USA.
• The UN Security Council, with the Soviets absent, condemned the invasion and called on North Korea to withdraw.
• The UN authorized military aid to South Korea, with troops from 16 countries, including 26,000 Canadians, under US General Douglas MacArthur.
• MacArthur pushed the communists back to the 38th parallel.
• Chinese "volunteers" intervened, forcing a retreat back to the 38th parallel.
• Peace talks commenced at Panmunjom.
• The war became a "limited war" with aerial bombardments, napalm use, and battles between US and Soviet aircraft.
• An armistice was signed on July 17, 1953.
• The war demonstrated the UN's willingness to intervene in aggression, highlighting the escalating tension between the USSR and the USA during this period.

Superpower Attributes and Power

• Superpowers (USA and USSR) possessed large populations, wealth, natural resources, and military power.
• Power involved influencing weaker states.
• The "brain drain" of skilled workers from East Germany to West Germany highlighted Cold War tensions and economic disparities.

The Berlin Wall (1961)

• Many skilled workers fled from East Germany to West Germany through Berlin.
• Soviet Premier Khrushchev erected the Berlin Wall.
• The wall was fortified with towering barriers, barbed wire, and armed guards.
• The Berlin Wall profoundly impacted US-Soviet relations and symbolizes the Cold War's division.
• It further illustrated the shortcomings of JFK's foreign policy approach.

The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

• US U-2 spy planes discovered Soviet nuclear missile installations in Cuba, significantly impacting US national security.

• Missiles placed in Cuba posed a far greater threat in terms of response times, compared to previously considered distances.

• American and Soviet forces were on the verge of nuclear war.

• To appease Kennedy, advisors initially suggested bombing the missiles, but this was rejected.

• Kennedy considered an invasion, but rejected that as well.

• Soviet involvement in Cuba was far higher than the CIA initially reported, with tens of thousands of Soviet troops and a substantial Cuban military.

• Robert Kennedy proposed a naval blockade and publicly revealing the missiles.

• Castro ultimately threatened nuclear attack, causing fear over an impending nuclear war.

• The Soviets agreed to remove the missiles in exchange for US promises not to invade Cuba and remove missiles from Turkey.

• This crisis enhanced US prestige, created the "hotline" communication channel, and banned nuclear testing.

• Khrushchev was removed from power.

Canadian Politicians (Post-WWII)

• Louis St. Laurent (1948-1957): Focused on national prosperity, encouraged Newfoundland joining Canada, and developed infrastructure.
• John Diefenbaker (1957-1963): Conservative, focused on prosperity for all Canadians. His policies heavily promoted infrastructure development and focused on containing American influence. Balance of trade issues arose. Policies devalued the Canadian dollar to boost exports to other nations.
• Lester B. Pearson (1963-1968): Excellent diplomat, won the Nobel Peace Prize. Focused on improving French-English relations (Bi & Bi Commission), and introduced policies like Medicare and a Canadian pension plan.
• Maurice Duplessis (Quebec): Conservative Premier of Quebec, focused on preserving traditional Quebec culture and resisted federal intrusions in Quebec, while maintaining a corrupt government.
• Jean Lesage (Quebec): Led a "modernizing" movement for greater economic and social improvement in Quebec and promoting recognition of French Canadians. Steps taken to improve standards and win recognition.
• René Lévesque and sovereignty: Pushed for Quebec's independence within Canada.
• Pierre Trudeau (1968-1980): Young, charismatic, and controversial. Strong foreign policies. Significant relationships that displeased the United States.
• Joe Clark (1979-1980): Younger, inexperienced Prime Minister, lost the 1980 election.
• John Turner (1984): Briefly led the Liberal party, and lost.
• Kim Campbell (1993): First female Prime Minister of Canada

The Vietnam War (1954-1975)

• The US supported South Vietnam against North Vietnam, fearing the domino effect of communism.
• American difficulties in maintaining the war effort and protests back home contributed to the eventual US withdrawal in 1973.
• South Vietnam fell to North Vietnam in 1975, resulting in a communist victory in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

US Policies and Programs

• The Marshall Plan: A massive US economic aid program to rebuild post-war Europe to prevent falling into Communist hands
• Canadian Foreign Policy (1945-1959): Focused on UN support, US cooperation, NATO, and Commonwealth ties.

NATO and Cold War Defence

• Formation of NATO (1949) & NORAD. NATO developed to protect Western Europe, leaving North America vulnerable to attack.
• The development of long-range bombers and ICBMs caused a great fear of a catastrophic nuclear war.
• The Soviets and US developed long range bombers and ICBMs that could reach the US in half an hour.

The Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961)

• A failed US-backed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro in Cuba. It resulted in decreased American standing and solidified Cuban ties with the Soviets.

This quiz covers the key events and details of the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. It discusses the invasion of South Korea, the role of the UN, military strategies, and the impact of superpowers during this significant conflict. Test your knowledge of this important chapter in Cold War history.