Korean War: (1950 – 1953) After WWII, the US and USSR agree to a temporary division of Korea along the 38th parallel (line of latitude) and allied occupation. (During WWII, Japan had occupation over Korea, but gave it up after it surrendered to the U.S. Why did the U.S. agree to North Korea becoming Communist?

Cause: 1. North Korea ruled by Communist dictator, Kim II Sung 2. South Korea ruled by series of pro-U.S. (capitalist) military dictators 3. Both the north and the south wanted a united Korea.   The War:  1. 1950- North Korea invades South Korea seeking reunification. North foreign occupation in South Korea. 2. U.N. sends in forces – mostly South Korean and American led by U.S. under the command of General MacArthur.

3) Under the U. N. resolution, the U. S 3) Under the U.N. resolution, the U.S. and other countries intervene and drive the Communist Koreans back to the boundary between North Korea and Communist China. China responds by sending Chinese forces to drive back the U.S. troops. What type of relationship would the U.S. and China have? Explain.

 D. Results: Immediate: In 1953, a compromise ended the war, leaving North and South Korea divided much as they had been before. However, a demilitarized zone was set up between the two countries.   What is a demilitarized zone? - This compromise was called an armistice (a truce agreement) and it was signed which established the border between North and South Korea at the 38th parallel.

Long Term: - South Korea:   - South Korea: It developed a strong capitalist economy but remained a dictatorship until after 1980. - North Korea: Remained a Communist dictatorship and an economic disaster. North Korea agreed not to develop nuclear weapons in exchange for oil and diplomatic recognition from the U.S. Is North Korea a threat today? Why? Recently, economic conditions in North Korea have gone from bad to worse. Terrible flooding, and other natural disasters plus failed government policies and no aid from Russia and China.

Why was the Korean War considered a Cold War conflict? What was the end result of the Korean War? Why do many people feel no one won the Korean War?

One reason North Korea has been the focus of worldwide attention in the mid-1990’s is because of its  1.  nuclear weapons development programs  2.  commitment to increasing political freedoms  3.  development of a strong and expanding economy  4.  efforts to revive communism in Eastern Europe

The Korean War was caused by A) Bombing of North Korea B) Assassination of Kim Il Sung C) North Korea’s invasion of South Korea D) MacArthur’s attack of North Korea