2.2 To what extent was the Korean War more of a civil war than a proxy war?

Civil War – A war between citizens of the same country

Proxy War – A war instigated by major powers which does not themselves become involved.

1. Desire of unification by North and South Korean leaders (Chapter 2.1)

2. Limited support from the USA and the Soviet Union/China from 1948 to early 1950

3. Border clashes between North and South Korea

N.Korea had requested for Soviet and US forces to be withdrawn from Korea in 1947

By 1949, both the Soviet Union and USA had withdrawn from their occupied zones

Withdrawal gave the impression that both superpowers had no intention to be involved in Korean affairs

USA was reluctant to provide military support to S.Korea

Stalin was initially reluctant to support Kim as he did not want a military confrontation with the US

This showed that the Korean War was a civil war. (link)

Many clashes between 1949 to 1950

Initiated by South Korea in attempts to capture some territory from North

North Korea retaliates, both sides suffer losses

Border clashes showed inability of S.Korean forces to launch any offensive against the North

Many military desertions from South to North highlighting Rhee’s unpopularity

Made USA more reluctant to send weapons the Rhee was asking for

1. Soviet support for N.Korea’s invasion

2. Entry of USA in the Korean War to support S.Korea

3. Entry of China to support N. Korea

4. Armistice talks

Soviets have been training and organizing the North Korean People’s Army (NKPA) since 1948

Made the NKPA a strong force

NKPA managed to push S.Korean and UN forces all the way to Pusan (Busan)

Truman believed that the invasion was influenced by Stalin to spread communism in Asia

Domino theory – one fall all fall

Believed that American involvement was essential

Asked the UN for help

UN sent a joint force to help South Korea with General MacArthur leading the Force

USSR was unable to veto due to boycott

PRC was not recognized, ROC was

By Sept 1950, US and UN forces pushed the North Koreans back to the 38th

parallel

UN forces continued past the 38th parallel under MacArthur

China warned US and UN that it would attack if military moved beyond the 38th

parallel and towards the Yalu River (Border between N.Korea and China)

Truman told MacArthur not to fight against the Chinese should they intervene

MacArthur ignored orders and moved towards the Yalu River

China entered the Korean War and began to pushed the US and UN forces back to the 38th Parallel

By April 1951, both sides reach a stalemate around 38th parallel

Both sides (USSR, China and USA) were prepared to discuss peace

MacArthur wanted to continue with war threatening to use nuclear weapons on China to “destroy” China

Truman dismissed MacArthur

Both Kim and Rhee wanted to fight

They were unable to, without support

**Armistice: An agreement to stop fighting. It does NOT signify the end of war. It is an attempt to negotiate peace while reducing hostilities

Negotiations for Armistice lasted from 1951 to 1953

Both sides wanted different things

In Jan 1953, Eisenhower replaced Truman as President, he pushed for the end of the Korean war

Stalin had also died and the new leadership wanted an Armistice as well

Armistice eventually signed on July 1953

What the Communist Wanted What the UN/South Korean wanted

Division of Korea along 38th parallel Division of Korea along battle lines

established

All North Korean POWs to be returned to

N.Korea

All North Korean POWs to be given choice of

returning to N.Korea or staying in the South

Started as a Civil War as both leaders wanted reunification

Both superpowers withdrew from Korea

Eventually a Proxy War

USA got involved

China got involved

2.3 How did the Korean War impact the development of the Cold War?

Korean War Cold War

What did the Korean War mean for the Cold War?

1. Expansion of the Cold War beyond Europe

2. Intensified American Involvement in the Asia-Pacific

3. Escalation of military tensions between the Western and Communist bloc in Europe

Korean War was the first time Cold War was ‘fought’ as a proxy war outside Europe

Superpowers frequently became involved in local conflicts and gave military and economic aid to the side that they supported

This saw the Cold War spreading across the world but both superpowers did not come into direct conflict with each other

Examples:

Vietnam War (1955-75)

Cuba (CMC) (Oct 1962)

Soviet-Afghan War (1979 – 1989)

Textbook pg 64-65

Economic Restructuring of Japan Japan was weakened after WWII

Note Japan’s geographical location (next to China and USSR)

Important for the US to rebuild the Japanese economy and to establish a base in Japan

Korean war accelerated American support of Japan as it was an important and convenient source of supplies for American soldiers in Korea

Even after Korea, Japan remained an integral part fo American containment policy in the Asia-Pacific

Formation of SEATO South East Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO)

The US was afraid if they lost one country to communism, others will be lost too (Domino Theory)

Set up by USA to include, USA, Britain, France, NZ, Australia, Philippines, Thailand and Pakistan

Purpose was to prevent spread of Communism in Asia-Pacific

By holding joint military exercises annually

Build strong economic foundations and improve living standards in SEA

NATO members begin to armed themselves in preparation against Soviet aggression

Military exercises held to strengthen cooperation of armed forces within NATO

Military expenditure increased

Warsaw Pact was formed in response

1. Expansion of the Cold War beyond Europe

2. Intensified American Involvement in the Asia-Pacific

3. Escalation of military tensions between the Western and Communist bloc in Europe