by P P

Created on: August 07, 2009

The Korean War lasted form 1950-1953, if helped move the cold war, from a cold war to a warm war. USSR and USA didn't actually fight; however, Communist China was powered and motivated by USSR. After World War II the Peninsula was divided between the Soviets North (Peoples Democratic Republic) and America's (south) republic of Korea. Both Americans and Soviets claimed a right to both parts in an effort to unify. The division was a result of communist occupation after WWII. North Korea launched a surprise attack on South Korea. After three days they conquered the capital. The UN asked America to send troops under the U.N. flag. Of the 15 countries that sent troops America sent the most. Most of South Korea had been conquered by August 1950. McAurthur and the troop launched an attack from the Pusan, the only place that hadn't yet fallen. They won, the North Koreans (Soviets) retreated at the treat of being cut in two. McAurthurs disobeyed order and went north to the Chinese border. The Chinese responded with a massive attack against South Korea and the UN troops. The Chinese army of 180K and 100K reserves once again conquers the Capital of South Korea and forced the UN troops to retreat and stabilize themselves. This war became one where both sides defended their positions. Peace talks started at the Panmunjom and last two years. Meanwhile, Stalin died and Eisenhower became President of the U.S. An Armistice was signed in 1953. 142k American soldiers killed, other UN nation 17K killed 3-4M civilian killed. The political belief had been fought for, they fought indirectly and America managed to stop the Soviets from advancing to south-east Asia.

Gains

Losses

Korea

None

Casualties : dead and wounded : 1.3 million South Korean military;

520,000 North Korean military;

Over 3 million civilian casualties. Much industry destroyed, agriculture ruined, millions of refugees

UN

Gained respect by taking prompt and direct action. Used combined force to stop aggression. Achieved joint action by members.

17,000 casualties; conduct of war almost entirely by USA and UN could have been seen as a USA puppet.

USA

Saved South Korea from communism. Containment policy seen to work against Asian communism

142,000 casualties. Defence spending went up from 12 to 60 billion dollars and failed to liberate North Korea.

Russia

Achieved closer friendship with China. Conflict between China and USA was to Russia?s advantage.

Forced into an expensive arms race with America.

China

Gained the respect of Asian communism. Saved North Korea from America. Kept a crucial buffer state on the eastern frontier. Achieved closer friendship with Russia

900,000 casualties.

Cost of the war was immense for a poor country. Failed to win South Korea for communism. Increased American protection for Taiwan (Formosa). Isolated by America in trade and politics.

Work Cited

1. Korean War History learning site Tuesday, March 11 2008, April 24, 2009 http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/korean_war.htm

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