The Korean War

North Korea (led by Kim Il Sung) was Communist

Communist Country. invaded South Korea. In 1949, he persuaded Stalin that he could conquer South Korea. Stalin did not think that America would dare to get involved, so he gave his agreement. Stalin saw a chance to continue the cold war and discomfort America, but 'at arm's length' - without directly confronting the Americans. Kim Il Sung also went to see Mao Zedong, the leader of China, to get his agreement.

Containment

Containment foreign policy towards communism is containment

38th Parallel

Dividing line between North and South Korea. Ended in stalemate.

Joseph Stalin

He tried to crush all opposition and ruled as the absolute dictator of the U.S.S.R. until his death.

undermine Communism

In April 1950, the American National Security Council issued a report (NSC 68) recommending that America abandon 'containment' and start 'rolling back' Communism.

What event started the Korean War?

North Korea invaded South Korea

President Truman

President Truman believed that capitalism, freedom and the American way of life were in danger of being overrun by Communism.The Truman Doctrine had been one of 'containment' - stopping the Communists gaining any more territory. In April 1950 the American National Security Council issued a report (NSC 68) recommending that America abandon 'containment' and start 'rolling back' Communism. This led Truman to consider driving the Communists out of North Korea.

Cold War

Series of events between U.S. and USSR where they compete for global dominance without directly fighting each other (capitalism vs. Communism)

South Korea (led by Syngman Rhee) was capitalist

South Korea nationalist, aided by the U.S. In 1950, Syngman Rhee boasted that he was going to attack North Korea. It was a good enough excuse - the North Koreans invaded South Korea.

How did it begin

The trigger for the war was when, in 1950, Syngman Rhee boasted that he was going to attack North Korea. It was a good enough excuse - the North Koreans invaded South Korea. This started the actual fighting.North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950

Truman Doctrine

Truman Doctrine 1947 - Stated that the U.S. would support any nation threatened by Communism.

Domino theroy

Truman believed that, if one country fell to Communism, then others would follow, like a line of dominoes. He was worried that, if Korea fell, the Communists would capture Japan.

McArthur

leader of U.S forces in Korea. wanted to extend the war in china with nuclear weapons. Gets fired by Truman.