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Korea
One Nation Split Into
Two
Korean War
In 1950, North Korean troops crossed the
38th parallel and attacked South Korea
The United Nation forces stopped them
along a line known as the Pusan
Perimeter, then began advancing north
Mao Zedong of China sent troops to help
the North Koreans
U.N. forces were pushed back south of
the 38th parallel
Korean War
Korea Rebounds
Whether discussing North or South Korea,
both have recovered from foreign
occupation. Whenever Korea has been
torn apart from war, they seem to pick up
the pieces of their lives and put their
country back together again. What makes
this situation unique is that North and
South Korea had different ideas on how to
recover, thus splitting the country into two.
North Korea
North Korea is communist; therefore, the people have
little say in their government. They also have a
command economy where the government makes all
decisions on what products are made, how much,
wages, etc. Economic growth is slow due to
command economy, wars, droughts, and conflicts. N.
Korea has a low standard of living, poor healthcare,
and the literacy rate is low.
Armistice in Korea
In 1953, both sides signed an armistice to end
the fighting, but troops today remain on both
sides of the demilitarized zone (DMZ)
There is no peace treaty between North and
South Koreaa state of war technically still
exists
Over time, South Korea enjoyed an economic
boom and a rise in living standards, while
communist North Koreas economy declined
Many North Koreans have starved to death
Kim Il Sungs emphasis on self-reliance kept
North Korea isolated and poor
1910 - 1945
Korea used to have some
of Asia's most prominent
communist groups and
activists
These organizations
worked underground to
reestablish Korea's
independence during
Japan's occupation of the
Korean Peninsula (19101945)
Occupation
In 1945 Korea was
occupied by Soviet forces
in the north and American
forces in the south.
The line that was chosen
to separate the two was
the same one that Japan
and Russia used in the
early part of the 20th
century.
It was called the 38th
parallel.
Kim II Sung
33-year-old, soviet army
captain, Kim II Sung became
known to be a heroic guerrilla
commander.
In early 1946, Soviet
occupying forces chose him
to head the provisional
government for North Korea.
3 weeks after the Southern
Republic of Korea was made,
_____ was named premier
of the Democratic Peoples
Republic of Korea on
September 9th 1948.
It was clear that under his rule, North Korea had become
economically well-endowed in comparison to South Korea. In
June of 1949 both the Soviets and Americans had left the
peninsula, this is when Kim's plan to unite Korea became
evident.
Reputation
American Army had recently upped the anti as far as the arms race
went and Truman wanted to display the power and wealth of America
internationally.
The USSR wanted better results and a chance to prove themselves
after the Berlin Blockade. This was particularly important to Stalin.
They felt that the Korean war was their way of proving their reputation.
Support
The USA wanted to support Syngman Rhee because he was a
democrat surrounded by communism
USA: supported South Korea.
The USSR wanted to support the communist nation, because of the
same political ideals.
USSR: supported North Korea.
They could not get involved in a war against
communism without directly fighting the USSR.
Cold War
Stalin encouraged the spread of communism as long as it did not result in a war
with America. He soon realized that nuclear war might be a possibility and wanted to
avoid that and beat the USA using more indirect means.
The Domino Effect - Truman believed that if Korea fell to communism, Japan (a major
trading partner) would follow.
The Truman Doctrine stated that the USA would lend aid to any country not wishing to
be suppressed by the political ideals (communism) of any other country.
April 1950 the American National Security Council issued a report recommending
direct involvement (a proxy war) against communism.
Stalin saw that the Korean War Was a chance for a war by proxy. Kim II Sung visited
Stalin to persuade him that he could conquer South Korea.
United Nations
Soviet Union
United States
November 2
UN realizes that the attack was done by
Communist China
Home-by-Christmas offensive
November 24
MacArthur launches
offensive attack
Chinese army
retaliates with full
force
American and South
Korean units retreat
Ends January 1951
Intended as a temporary
measure, but the 38th parallel
remains standing even today.
Map of Korea
Winners? Losers?
There was an
armistice signed by
North Korea, China,
and the UN but not by
South Korea.
The armistice was
NOT a peace treaty,
just a temporary
cessation of
hostilities.