Conflict in Korea
Which two countries divided Korea after World War II?
The U.S. and the Soviet Union.
Which U.S. president was alarmed by North Korea’s invasion?
President Truman.
Which general urged an invasion of North Korea?
General MacArthur.
By spring 1951, UN forces pushed the Communists back across this line.
By spring 1951, UN forces pushed the Communists back across the 38th parallel.
When did talks to end the Korean War begin?
Talks to end the Korean War began in July 1951.
What type of government did North Korea adopt after the division?
Communism.
What did Truman suspect about North Korea’s invasion?
Truman suspected Soviet involvement in North Korea’s invasion.
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Who approved the plan to unify Korea?
The United Nations approved the plan to unify Korea.
What type of military situation followed after pushing the Communists back?
A long stalemate followed after pushing the Communists back across the 38th parallel.
During which president’s administration was the cease-fire agreement reached?
The cease-fire agreement that ended active fighting in the Korean War was reached in July 1953, during the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had taken office earlier that year.
When did North Korea invade South Korea, starting the war?
1950.
Did the U.S. formally declare war before sending forces to South Korea?
No, the U.S. did not formally declare war before sending forces to South Korea.
Who ordered the advance into North Korea?
President Truman ordered the advance into North Korea.
What did President Truman want regarding the war?
President Truman wanted to pursue a negotiated peace settlement to bring the Korean War to an end. He believed that continuing the conflict without a clear path to victory especially with the risk of escalating it into a larger war involving China or the Soviet Union—would be too dangerous. His goal was to contain the spread of communism without triggering a broader and potentially nuclear conflict.
What was created along the 38th parallel to separate North and South Korea?
A demilitarized zone (DMZ) was created along the 38th parallel to separate North and South Korea.
Which country backed South Korea during the Korean War?
The United States.
To which country did Truman compare the Korean situation to emphasize the need to stand firm?
Truman compared the Korean situation to Greece to emphasize the need to stand firm.
: Toward which border did MacArthur’s troops advance?
MacArthur’s troops advanced toward the Chinese border.
What did General MacArthur propose using to end the war?
General MacArthur proposed using atomic bombs to end the war by striking Chinese forces and supply lines, hoping to force a quick victory.
Approximately how many American deaths were caused by the Korean War?
The Korean War caused approximately over 36,000 American deaths.
After the initial invasion, what was the small area near the southeastern tip of South Korea that remained under South Korean control?
The small area near the southeastern tip of South Korea that remained under South Korean control after the initial invasion was Pusan (also known as the Pusan Perimeter).
What action did the United Nations take after North Korea ignored its demand to withdraw?
The United Nations sent troops to support South Korea after North Korea ignored its demand to withdraw.
What encouraged General MacArthur to press the attack?
General MacArthur was encouraged to press the attack by his initial military success in the Korean War.
Why did Truman reject MacArthur’s plan?
Truman rejected MacArthur’s plan because he feared it would escalate the war into a larger conflict, possibly involving China and the Soviet Union, and potentially leading to World War III.
What was one major impact of the Korean War on U.S. foreign policy?
It demonstrated the U.S. willingness to use force to stop communism but caused uncertainty about U.S. foreign policy.