Korean war (1950 - 53)

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Korean war (1950 - 53)

Causes

  • The country was divided along the 38th Parallel by American administrators.
  • The northern part of the country (communist, lead by Kin Il-Sung) was occupied by Soviet troops and the southern part (lead by Syngman Rhee) was occupied by troops from the United States.
  • This caused much tension between the two countries particularly as the Cold War intensified and allegiances were drawn.
  • June 25, 1950, North Korean troops advanced across the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea
  • By September 1950, all except a small corner of south-east Korea was under communist control. If the US did not intervene, then the entirety of Korea would become communist

Effects

  • There were several casualties on both sides, though the exact figure in unknown
  • The Korean War created more friction between the United States and the Soviet Union.
  • War made the United States truly aware of the "falling domino" effect of communism
  • South Korea became an important US military base with thousands of American troops stationed there.
  • North Korea has carried out a controversial nuclear test and several ballistic missile tests, keeping South Korea, Japan, USA (Hawaii) and China in their missile range

Overall summary

The 'domino theory': if a country turns communist, countries surrounding it become more susceptible to communism. The Korean war was another test case for Truman's policy of containment . 

Comments

Philipharperr

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Really helpful overview of the Korean War and its consequences

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