Foreign relations 1951-64- Korean War 1950-53

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Origins of the Korean War

  • End of the Second World War, Korea (previously ruled by Japan) was occupied by the Soviet Union in the north and by the United States in the south 
  • Two seperate governments were subsequently set up, each one claiming to be legitimate
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Events of the Korean War

  • 1950, forces from north Korea, supported by the Soviet Union and China, invaded the South 
  • The United Nations condemned the action and sent UN forces to combat the invasion 
  • Over 20 countries supplied troops 
  • Britain sent over 90,000 soldiers, the second biggest contingent after the United States 
  • There was heavy fighting, resulting in a stalemate 
  • In 1953, a ceasefire was agreed
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Impact of the Korean War

  • Under the terms of the ceasefire it was agreed that Korea would be split between a Communist North Korea and non-communist South Korea 
  • The Korean War showed how the Cold War was being fought across the whole world 
  • It demonstrated Britain's willingness to continue to play a role in world affairs despite economic problems 
  • Though it was clear the United States were the greater power 
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