How far was the USA's military involvement in the conflict in Korea the consequence of a desire to defend democracy?

The first 200 words of this essay...

How far was the USA's military involvement in the conflict in Korea the consequence of a desire to defend democracy?

Historians have often argued over why the USA got involved in the Korean War. Was it to defend democracy and that all that it stands for, was it to show the communists not to attack the USA and her allies, or was it simple pride? These are all questions that have to be asked when trying to understand why the USA got involved in Korea and whether or not it was out of a desire to defend democracy.

When examining whether or not the USA's intervention in Korea was out of a desire to defend democracy, we have to look at the regime that was in power in south Korea at the start of the Korean War. South Korea was run by Syngman Rhee. Supported by the Americans he was the 'democratically' elected leader of South Korea. Along with the rest of his government he was extremely corrupt. He suppressed much of the political opposition to him. Although he carried the title of President, he was more like a dictator. His methods were well known to the USA.