Korean War

After WWII

Occupation of Korea split between U.S. and Soviets

- Decided at Potsdam (Koreans not present)

- Soviets North of 38th Parallel

- Americans South of 38th Parallel

- U.S. refused to acknowledge the provisional government of Korea under suspicion of communism

Both sides were supposed to help Korea hold free elections in 1948 (guess what actually happened)

Soviets withdrew in 1948 and U.S. in 1949

Govt. of S. Korea Syngman Rhee led an anti-communist government elected in S.

Korea

- Republic of Korea est. Aug. 1948

Repression of political opponents:

- Jeju Uprising: 14,000-60,000 massacred by S. Korean Soldiers

- Terrorism and sabotage during elections

- Imprisoned or exiled communists and leftists

- Approx. 300,000 people in “reeducation” programs

- Mungyeong Massacre: 86-88 killed, falsely blamed on communists

- Bodo League Massacre: 100,000-200,000 suspected communists killed

Govt. of N. Korea Communist govt. led by Kim Il-Sung elected

- Parliamentary elections for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea held later in Aug. 1948

- Cult of Personality

- Kim Il-Sung had already implemented land reform and nationalized industries

- Leader of a previous provisional government

Frequent guerilla raids launched against South

- North was better equipped and had stronger economy

- Increased in tempo between 1948 and 1950

Both North and South wanted to unify Korea under their own governments

Aug. 1950

Nov. 1950

Apr. 1951

Jul. 1953

Execution of Political Prisoners by S. Korea (1950)

Civilians Killed by N. Korea (1950)

Proxy War

A way for the two superpowers to fight indirectly

- Soviet and Chinese troops fought Americans without being directly at war

- Avoided the need to use Nuclear Weapons Domino Effect

Contemporary Images