The Korean War: A Summary and Analysis

The Korean War

Background

Korea had been under Japanese control since 1910. After Japan's defeat in 1945, the US and USSR agreed to temporarily divide the country into two zones along the 38th parallel to organize Japan's surrender and withdrawal. The UN wanted free elections for the whole country, which the US supported, believing that capitalism would prevail in the South, where two-thirds of the population resided. However, no agreement was reached with the USSR. Elections were held in the South, and the Independent Republic of Korea was established. Russia, in turn, created the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the North. In 1949, both USSR and US forces withdrew, leaving a dangerous situation. Most Koreans resented the division, yet both leaders claimed the right to rule the entire peninsula.

The North Korean Invasion

In 1950, 90,000 North Korean soldiers launched an invasion of South Korea. US President Truman, facing elections that year, showed total commitment to defending the South. This attack was seen as an example of Soviet expansionism and a monolithic communist act, as stated in NSC-68. Truman also believed that Korea was key to preventing a domino effect in neighboring countries, much like Greece had been in Europe in 1947.

UN Intervention

After sending aid to South Korea, the US pressed for a UN call for military action against North Korea. This was a landmark decision, as it was the first time the UN stood up against an aggressor state. The USSR tried to boycott the call because the US refused to allow communist China a seat on the Security Council. Eventually, the resolution passed, and 15 countries aided the US in South Korea under the command of General MacArthur.

Why Did North Korea Invade?

• Kim Il-sung may have been encouraged by the new Chinese communist government.
• The Soviets supplied North Korea with tanks and equipment, possibly to strengthen Russia's position in the Pacific, compensate for Stalin's failure in Berlin, or test Truman's determination.
• Communists claimed South Korea started the war when its troops crossed the 38th parallel.

Course of the War

• Truman, convinced that the attack was part of Stalin's plan to spread communism, changed US policy from economic to military support and mobilized troops even before the UN's decision. The UN Security Council warned North Korea to withdraw, but it was ignored, leading to the call for military action. The resolution was approved in the USSR's absence, as it would have been vetoed otherwise.
• The initial North Korean push left South Korea in control of only a small corner of the peninsula. MacArthur, with UN forces, drove North Korea back to the 38th parallel within a month.
• The US then decided to shift its policy from containment to rollback, aiming to liberate North Korea from communism and reunite the country. China's foreign minister warned that China would intervene if UN troops entered North Korea, but this warning was ignored.
• UN forces crossed the 38th parallel and advanced rapidly northwards, taking control of two-thirds of North Korea and reaching the Chinese border. Concerned about its security, China sent over 300,000 soldiers to join the 150,000 North Korean troops and retake the lost territory. By 1951, a stalemate developed around the 38th parallel.
• The US reverted to its policy of containment, despite MacArthur's belief that eliminating communism in Korea was crucial to stopping its expansion.
• Peace talks began in 1951 to repatriate POWs. The US suffered heavy casualties and many soldiers were taken prisoner.
• The war continued until 1953, causing severe casualties. The US even threatened to use atomic bombs against China. An armistice was finally signed in July 1953.

Results of the War

• The war was a disaster for Korea. The country was devastated, with 4 million people killed and 5 million homeless. The division seemed permanent, with both countries remaining heavily armed and constant ceasefire violations.
• Truman claimed success for containing communism, but Republicans felt they lost a chance to destroy communism in China and North Korea.
• The UN had exerted its authority, but the USSR denounced it as a tool of the capitalists.
• China's military performance was impressive, establishing it as a major world power. It prevented the unification of Korea against 14 countries. Many felt it was unreasonable that China was still denied a seat in the UN.
• US relations with China were strained. China supported the Indo-Chinese communists in their struggle for independence from France. The US tried to encircle China with bases, signing defensive agreements with Australia and New Zealand. Together with France and the UK, the US set up SEATO, but only three Asian states joined, as many wanted to remain neutral. China also wanted to capture Taiwan, where Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist government had fled, but the US protected the island and used it as a base.