The USA & Events in Korea, 1950–53 | History for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Causes for the Korean War

A map showing how Korea was divided in 1945

• In 1905, Japan owned Korea
• In 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allies, ending the Second World War. Soviet troops were in the north of Korea, US troops were in the south of Korea.
• The terms of Japan's surrender included the division of Korea. The Allies split Korea into two territories along the 38th Parallel, dividing Korea into two equal-sized zones.
• Historians believe that Korea was divided to prevent the USSR from taking the whole of Korea. The USSR monitored North Korea, while the USA oversaw South Korea.
• Both the USA and the USSR chose leaders for their sections of Korea:

• In April 1950, many South Koreans favored Korea's reunification.
  • Rhee, an unpopular leader, faced opposition from those desiring reunification under Kim Il Sung.
• In June 1950, North Korea's invasion of South Korea with backing from the USSR and China escalated tensions.
  • North Korea's military strength exceeded that of South Korea.

Why Did the USA Get Involved in the Korean War?

The UN Involvement in the Korean War

• The USA convinced the UN to intervene in the Korean War by:
  • Truman exerting pressure on the UN Security Council.
  • Highlighting that the USA was the largest contributor to the UN budget.
  • Threatening to reduce their contribution if the UN did not support South Korea.
• The USSR boycotted the UN in January 1950 because:
  • They demanded the inclusion of representatives from the Communist People’s Republic of China in the UN Security Council, which the UN refused.
• The boycott prevented the USSR from vetoing action against North Korea.
• The UN agreed to send troops to counter North Korea's invasion.
• Eighteen member states contributed troops.
• The USA provided the most troops, led by General MacArthur, who:
  • Commanded US troops in Japan during World War II.
  • Effectively controlled Japan from 1945 to 1951.
• UN forces landed at Inchon in September 1950.

The Events of the Korean War

Consequences of the Korean War

• The Korean War resulted in both positive and negative outcomes for the United States.