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Reasons for the Outbreak of the Korean War (1950 - 1953), Aftermath and…

- - - - He'd lose soviet support if he invaded without approval
    - - After receiving Stalin's approval, Kim Il Sung launched a full-scale invasion of South Korea on June 25, 1950, marking the beginning of the Korean War. (Trigger)
      - Elaboration: Kim's strategic decision to invade South Korea was driven by his strong belief in reunifying Korea under communist rule. His aggressive action was not only a direct challenge to the US-backed South Korean government but also a manifestation of the broader ideological struggle between communism and capitalism during the Cold War. The invasion, supported by Stalin's endorsement, ignited the conflict that escalated into a significant international war. Kim's persistence in pursuing a military solution rather than diplomatic means contributed to the immediate clash between North and South Korea and drew in both superpowers, further intensifying the Cold War dynamics.
      - Link: Therefore, Kim Il Sung's relentless pursuit of reunification through military aggression, backed by Soviet support, directly instigated the Korean War and highlighted the intersection of national ambitions and Cold War rivalries.
- - - - The division of Korea at the 38th parallel became a battleground for this ideological struggle.
  - - - Emboldened Kim Il-sung, the leader of North Korea, to seek support from both the Soviet Union and China for a military invasion of South Korea. Stalin, who had initially been cautious about supporting an invasion, became more confident with China as a communist ally (provide troops and assist in the fight), leading to Soviet approval of the North Korean plan.
      - Confidence in assisting Korea, proving power
  - - - Developments in CW changed Stalin's stance on agreeing to Kim's request , sought to expand influence (Re: US influence on Japan, USSR had to one-up that!)
  - - - Actions fueled by fear of Communism overrunning Asia -> Containment Policy -> direct ideological battle response to the USSR -> ripple effect onto the Korea War
      - SHIFT in foreign policy in april 1950, active expansion of defensive perimeter (take decisive action, anywhere in Asia against the formation of a Communist Govt) NSC-68 -> remarkably more aggressive stance and approach! View of USSR as an active threat, their actions seeping down into Korea in the form of UN troops/suppliers/warships in 25 June 1950!
      - 1950: Truman does NOT want NK to win -> created a need for intervention -> NO communist victory NO USA Humiliation
      - viewed the invasion of South Korea as a direct challenge to US interests and containment policy, leading to their intervention in the war under the UN banner.
- - - - NATO Allies took a similar approach. European military power grew dramatically. When the Korean War began, NATO countries had only 14 army divisions and spent approximately 5.5% of their GDP on the military. By the end of the war, NATO had 15 divisions stationed in West Germany alone, NATO countries were spending more than 12% of their GDP on defence.
- - - - 1951
        
        1953
        
        NK and SK sign an armistice to end fighting in July
        
        North and South Korea reach a stalemate in June
        
        UN forces counterattack and recapture Seoul in March
        
        Chinese and NK forces cross the 38th parallel in January and recapture Seoul (China's role in helping the NK invade/claim more territory -> collaboration prolonged the course of the Korean War)
      - UN sends peacekeeping forces in July to help SK (specifically) OUTSIDE intervention) Sent advisors, supplies and warships around Korea, Truman put pressure on the UN to condemn NK -> exercise of authority and assertiveness -> UN now putting in concerted efforts to resist NK (sustained commitment to resist the North and protect the South, other countries involved -> assert dominance/leadership/utilize influence)
      - North Korean troops cross the 38th parallel in June and attack the South where they capture Seoul (Full-scale invasion -> display of blatant aggression) -> instigator, sparked the start of the Korean war and sustained fighting btwn two states.
      - China joins NK forces in the war in October
      - UN forces (instead of de-escalation) cross the 38th Parallel in October, capturing Pyongyang and approaching Yalu River btwn China and NK
      - Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual assistance in Feb btw China and USSR
      - UN troops retake SK in September
      - Dean Acheson gives "defensive perimeter" speech in January