What were the causes of the Korean War (1950-1953)?

What were the causes of the Korean War (1950-1953)? On 25th June 1950, ninety thousand North Korean soldiers invaded South Koreas border defences, The Korean war had begun, this small scale civil war would escalate into an international conflict. Historically Korea had once been a united country, under Japanese rule for between 1905 and 1945 however, the Japanese were unruly and did not treat the Koreans well. At the end of the Second World War it was decided that the country would be divided along the 38th parallel and occupied by soviet troops in the North and American troops in the South. Syngman Rhee, who had spent some years exiled in America, became the president of South Korea in 1948, while Kim Il Sung, having fought for the Russian red army during the war became leader of the Peoples Democratic Republic (Communist) in North Korea. I intent to outline the causes and contributing factors that eventually led to the Korean War. An underlying factor in this conflict is the two very contrasting political systems in North Korea, The communist North led by Kim Il sung had links with fellow Communist nations such as China and the USSR, In April 1950, Kim Il Sung actually visited Moscow and by May and June Military supplies were being sent to north Korea including 150 T-34 Tanks. Similarly China did not want to have an American influenced democratic country bordering its

  • Word count: 891
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: History
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The Causes of the Korean War in 1950

How far was the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950 'made in Moscow'? (2004) That the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950 was 'made in Moscow' is to assume that the Korean War was essentially an extension of the Cold War and not locally driven. Since the Soviet Union was the only other superpower to challenge the United States of America in the Cold War period following the end of the Second World War in 1945, it would not be erroneous to connect the interests of Moscow to with the Cold War motivations of the Soviet Union. The above statement, though, while suggests that the origins of the Korean War is found in the Cold War rivalry, does not preclude the possibility that local factors such as rivalry between national leaders might have blown the scale of war as to escalate the Cold War tensions between the two superpowers. However, one must also note that in stopping the buck at the Soviet Union alone, there is a danger that the US stake or even interests in the war would not be accounted for, hence painting a lop-sided view of the situation. Nevertheless, in terms of the beginnings, it is fair to focus the attention on the Soviet Union, which frankly gave the first go-ahead sign to the invading North Koreans, who otherwise would probably not have charged ahead, or at least not then. The central issue here would be to determine whether the Korean War was

  • Word count: 2407
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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The Korean War.

Elias Chamoun 20th century topics R5 - Richardson The Korean War Referred to by many as being "the forgotten war", the Korean War played a big role in shaping the cold war, though many people tend to disregard that. It began with the North Korean surprise attack in June 1950. The reasons for that attack are still a mystery till this day. After WW2, Korea was divided into two sections, North and South, by the 38th parallel. The Soviet Union occupied North Korea and a communist government was established under the leadership of Kim Il Sung. The United States on the other hand, occupied South Korea, and a democratic government was set up there under the leadership of Syngman Rhee. After failing to agree on the fate of Korea and the type of government that should be established, both superpowers contented with the 38th parallel and thus Korea was divided between a communist North and democratic South. Many explanations were given to what caused the North Korean attack. Some suggested that Stalin wanted to create problems for China because of Mao's refusal to submit to Stalin's authority. Others suggest that Mao was seeking to expand his influence in East Asia and started with Korea. And finally, some suggest that the Korean War was an internal affair, in which the North wanted to incorporate the South into its authority. Those were possible, but unlikely explanations. The one

  • Word count: 1011
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: History
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The Korean War

Year 11 Australian Studies: The Korean War By Adam Rau Introduction After the end of the Second World War, communities were still coming to terms with the devastation which that conflict had caused, and the millions it had killed. Yet only five years after the end of this war, another was to break out, and again Australia would commit its forces. It was the Korean War. Korea was a place that few Australians knew much about, until 1950. From 1950-53, 17,000 Australians in the Army, Navy and Air Force fought as part of the United Nations force, defending South Korea from the Communist force of North Korea. After the war ended, Australians remained in Korea for four years as military observers. Since then, Australia has maintained a presence. Australia's involvement in the Korean War won much praise from other nations. Awards and decorations given to Australians during the war totalled 615, while awards given to Australians by other countries numbered 173. Australia also gained many political and security benefits, the most important being the signing of the ANZUS Treaty with the United States and New Zealand. ANZUS joined the nations of Australia, New Zealand and the United States in a defence security pact for the Pacific region. Representatives of the governments of the three nations signed the agreement in Canberra on 1 September 1951 From Australia and New Zealand's

  • Word count: 1498
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: History
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Korean propaganda during the Second World War and the Korean War had a different effect upon the Korean society.

Korean propaganda during the Second World War and the Korean War had a different effect upon the Korean society. Alice Kim In the subject of History ABSTRACT Propaganda was widely spread over radio, papers, posters, and by word of mouth during the Second World War and the Korean War. Korea was a participant in both wars, World War II, being enslaved by Japan, and also the Korean War, a civil war. Propaganda in these two wars did differ, because they were dictated. But how did these two wars differ in affecting Korean citizens? The research question will be answered through research conducted through interviews. During the Second World War, propaganda to Korean civilians was severely dictated by the Japanese. A separation in classes occurred between the higher elites, and the middle and lower class peasants. The higher elites spread Japanese propaganda to fellow Koreans in return of respect and large sums of money. On the other hand, there was an intense unification with the lower and middle class peasants who came together in hatred, anger, and frustration aiming at the Japanese. As for the Korean War, similarly, there was an apparent chaotic segregation between the Northern Communists and the Southern Democrats of Korea. Propaganda was partly to blame for the intensity of bitterness it caused between the two Koreas. -1- -TABLE OF CONTENTS- . Introduction 2.

  • Word count: 3866
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: History
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How far do you agree that the Revisionist Views (of the causes of the Korean war) is the most accurate?

Anna Thompson How far do you agree that the Revisionist Views (of the causes of the Korean war) is the most accurate? By 1950 the Korean War threatened to escalate a local war in a major international conflict. Since then there has been a constant debate on the invasion the south had the North. They argue if the invasion was a product of the communist bloc which was newly strengthened by china, and if it was attempting to spread its power. The question, what actually was the real cause of the Korean War is discussed by many historians and their views. These include Traditional, Revisionist, The local/international approaches and the significance of domestic products of Truman's foreign policy. Even though there are many approaches to the causes of the Korean war, The revisionist remains one the most accurate along with the traditional view. Revisionist view of the Korean war is different to those of the traditional and local approaches. They say argue that the Korean war was because of expansionist and aggressive actions by the forces of the world communism, ( as traditional views believe). Historian Kathryn Weathersby shows Stalin as being too cautious to risk escalation of conflict with the USA. This is backed up with some evidence from Khrushchev, who had memoirs which stated that Kim II sung, had informed Stalin of his decision but Stalin replied and said he should

  • Word count: 876
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: History
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Consequences of the Korean War.

Consequences of the Korean War There have been many discussions of what has happened to Americans since the end of the Korean War, but in states not much has been said about the state of Korea since the war. I find this quite interesting because South Korea was it's ally, not just another country they were at war with. To this day North and South Korea are still divided by the 38th parallel. After the war ended and the armistice was signed, North Koreans and South Koreans despised one another more than ever before. The North seeing most Southerners as "Japanese collaborators" during the Imperialist days from 1910 - 1945, and the South viewing the North as an uncontrollable militaristic bully. Immediately after the war, Syngman Rhee took control of the South Korean government and governed in such a manner that caused social unrest by the citizens of South Korea. The people became tired of the lack of lacking their freedoms and a coup occurred in 1961 when military general Park Chung Hee became the new head of state. Although somewhat unpopular due to his dictator-like actions, the people grew to love Park as a leader. This was due to his ability to deliver what the people truly wanted; economic success. Park developed an export economy that likened to Japan's and was able to produce this by building a superior export-economy. Under Park's direction, South Korea flourished,

  • Word count: 1029
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: History
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Consequences of the Korean War.

Consequences of the Korean War As mentioned previously, the war officially began on June 25, 1950 - lasting approximately 3 years and ending with the Armistice agreement signed on July 27, 1953. Interestingly though, after only 1 year of fighting on July 10, 1951 armistice negotiations had already begun. But it took negotiators over two years to settle regional skirmishes and finally sign the agreement.3 Although the armistice agreement was reached, a peace treaty between North and South Korea was never signed and the war between the two bitter enemies has never formally ceased. In a political and societal view, this war still does exist today as the North Koreans and South Koreans still argue over who is "right and wrong". Effects of the war on Korea Division of a Nation There have been many discussions of what has happened to Americans since the end of the Korean War, but in our country not much has been said about the state of Korea since the war. I find this quite interesting because South Korea was our ally, not just another country we were at war with. To this day North and South Korea are still divided by the 38th parallel. After the war ended and the armistice was signed, North Koreans and South Koreans despised one another more than ever before. The North seeing most Southerners as "Japanese collaborators" during the Imperialist days from 1910 - 1945, and the

  • Word count: 1235
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: History
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Was the Korean War a Product of the Cold War tensions?

Was the Korean War a Product of the Cold War tensions? A. Plan of Investigation. The aim of this investigation is to asses if the Korean War was a product of the Cold war tensions. This investigation evaluates the long and short term causes of the Korean War. As well as looking at the Cold War as a factor for the Korean war I will also go on to evaluate the importance of internal factors such as Korea wanting to become self determined. I will be looking at the role of the opposing ideologies (communism vs. capitalism) and at the role China took in the Korean War. B. Summary of Evidence. In the long term the conflict occurred as a by-product of the Cold War tensions, this began after WW2. The USA no longer saw the Soviet Union as its ally but now as an enemy seeking to dominate the world1. By 1949 the cold war tensions were at boiling point because of such events such as the Truman Doctrine, Marshall Aid, and the Berlin Blockade. The USSR and America also had opposing ideologies (communism vs. capitalism)2. After F.Roosevelt died in April 1945 H.Truman took over as president3. He regarded the Soviet Union as an ideological rival prepared to use treason, disruption, and bullying tactics to promote communism and gain ground and power in Europe4. He saw the creation of satellite states in Eastern Europe as proof of a Soviet aim to spread communist control abroad5. To counter

  • Word count: 1814
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: History
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The Korean War and Superpower relations

The Korean War started on 25 June 1950 when North Korea forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea, which was considered and unprovoked aggression by the North Korea. The conflict between North Korea leader Kim Il Sung and South Korean leader Syngman Ree started out as one without any connections to the Cold War, until interference of USA and USSR. The Korean War in itself was significant as it marked the first time the Cold War was extended outside Europe to Asia. Moreover, the Korean War saw the emergence of several watershed events in the wider Cold War context, such as the entry of new parties in the Cold War conflict, an intensification of the policy of containment as well as development of the Cold War into an increasingly globalized conflict and the change in nature of the Cold War. The Korean War was significant in intensifying American misunderstanding of Soviet political and strategic aims which led to increasing tensions between the two Super Powers. Truman's conviction was that the USSR was expansionistic and aggressive, and they were not going to stop until they had world dominance. Stalin was seen as the main instigator of the attack and Kim Il Sung was thought to be Stalin's puppet while China was seen to be a monolithic community bloc together with the USSR. Thus the North Korean attack against South Korea was perceived to be a Soviet-inspired

  • Word count: 1350
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: History
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