North Korea/ South Korea
Identify the three major leaders of North Korea (hint: all the same family)
1.1948-1994: Kim Il-sung (leader of Communist party) 2.1994-2011: Kim Jong-il (also a Communist) 3. 2011-present: Kim Jong-un
What was the result of South Korea's week constitution?
A result of South Korea's week constitution was that the country was not always democratic and often taken over by the military. Freedoms of speech and press were not always protected.
Define totalitarian state.
A totalitarian state is a nation in which the ruler has absolute control over its people. North Korea became a totalitarian state under Kim Il-Sung's rule.
How was Kim Il-Sung able to build a totalitarian state?
Kim Il-Sung able to build a totalitarian state. With the help of the secret police who "suppressed all attempts at opposition", Kim Il-Sung developed loyal communists. People in North Korea followed the ideals of communism in every way. The government took over all aspects of life, including businesses (factories) and private property (farms) to control agriculture and industry.
Main idea and supporting details for Dictatorship and Isolation
Main idea: The unlimited government of North Korea has been led by a family of Communist dictators, controlling everything including press, speech, culture, and religion. Supporting Details: Information from local and foreign news (Internet, phones, radio, TV, cell phones, and the Internet) is controlled by the government. People are punished/jailed for their political opinions. Government controls culture and religion. Only a few select churches/temples are allowed. Even the arts (writers, dancers, musicians) are controlled.
Main idea and supporting details for A Crippled Economy
North Korea's command economy has been mismanaged and has had limited growth. The goal of keeping controls has caused the government to overlook economic issues. Supporting Details: The focus on building a strong military has meant a lack of focus on farm and factory machinery (including tractors, fuel, and fertilizer) resulting in food shortages. Floods and droughts have damaged crops causing 2 million people to starve. The population continues to suffer despite the aid it receives for food.
Define propaganda.
Propaganda is information that is mostly biased or misleading, that is used to promote someone or something. North Korean newspapers used propaganda to teach people (and force them to believe) Kim Il-Sung's totalitarian philosophy.
What did the U.S military do that ensured the Chinese got involved in the Korean War?
The U.S. military ensured Chinese involvement in the Korean War. The Chinese government became alarmed when the UN forces approached the Yalu River. Foreign Minister Zhou Enlai warned the US that if MacArthur's troops got closer, China would be forced to enter war. The US proceeded, forcing China's entry.
What are the benefits to South Korea's new constitutions?
The benefits to South Korea's new constitutions is that it can not take away freedoms such as speech and press even when the country has political or economic situations. Citizens have more rights and the military has less power and has not taken over the government of the country since the changes.
What were the objectives of the Soviet Union and United States in Korea prior to 1950?
The objectives of the Soviet Union and United States in Korea prior to 1950 were to divide Korea from north to south. The 38th parallel would be the boundary line for the surrender of Japanese troops. The Soviets would accept surrender to the north of the line while the U.S. accepted surrender to the south.
What two factors helped South Korea recover after the Korean War?
The two factors that helped South Korea recover after the Korean War involved industry and education. The government supported large companies to produce industrial goods for export. The government also improved the education system.
What is the significance of the 38th parallel and what was the eventual outcome of the Korean War?
There is a significance to the 38th parallel. To its north, the Soviets were Communists under Kim Il-sung and to the south was the American led republic under Syngman Rhee. The country of remains divided as two nations, North and South Korea.
Describe the economic problems that occurred during the 1980s and 90s.
There were many economic problems that occurred during the 1980s and 90s. In the 80s, there were challenges with developing industries. The desire to be self-sufficient and the need to import products and technologies was a struggle. Industrial production decreased while debts increased and by the 90s, North Korea was looking for economic support from non-communist countries.
What was the brilliant military maneuver performed by U.S. military leader Douglas MacArthur?
U.S. military leader Douglas MacArthur performed a brilliant military maneuver. As commander of the UN force, General MacArthur counterattacked by landing an amphibious force at Inchon behind North Korean lines. This caused the North Koreans to retreat.
