2.2.2
Attitudes of the USSR, China & the USA
The USSR's Attitudes Towards the Korean War
The USSR's Attitudes Towards the Korean War
At first, Stalin was reluctant to get involved in Korea because he feared it would lead to conflict with the USA. However, over time he realised the potential benefits to him of being involved and gave more support to North Korea.
Stalin's hesitancy
Stalin's hesitancy
- The USSR was hesitant to become involved in the war as they wanted to avoid direct conflict with the USA.
- This was why when in March 1949 Kim asked Stalin for support to mount an assault on South Korea he initially refused.
- Stalin’s mind changed in 1950 and he decided to provide some materials to the cause such as artillery and aircraft. Yet, he was still unwilling to send Soviet troops due to the possible repercussions with the USA. He knew that the USA was superior militarily and conflict between the two nations could lead to nuclear war.
Stalin's decision to get involved
Stalin's decision to get involved
- Yet, Stalin did see the benefits of supporting the war. He thought that if North Korea was victorious in unifying a communist Korea it would then put pressure on Japan to the same.
- Stalin also realised that he would have support in helping North Korea from the newly communist China.
- He also thought that by having another communist country in the world, it would stop China from being a potential rival.
- Stalin, like Mao also saw the benefit of using the war to promote himself as a strong communist leader.
Primary evidence
Primary evidence
- Stalin received a telegram from Terentii Shtykov, Soviet Supreme Commander in North Korea on 8th July 1950. It stated that: ‘I ask that you accept the expression of deepest respect and gratitude for the invaluable assistance which you, Comrade Stalin, continually render to our people in their struggle for independence. Being confident of your desire to help the Korean people rid themselves of the American imperialist, I am obliged to appeal to you with a request to allow the use of 25-35 Soviet military advisers’.
China's Attitudes Towards the Korean War
China's Attitudes Towards the Korean War
Chairman Mao's opinion on the Korean War changed over time.
The start of the war
The start of the war
- China was a newly communist country and was led by Chairman Mao.
- At the start of the Korean War, Mao was NOT keen to get involved because he wanted to consolidate his power in China.
China's involvement
China's involvement
- However, as the USA forces moved closer to the North Korean border with China at the Yalu River, Mao changed his mind.
- Mao began to see the Korean War as a way of enhancing his power and reputation across the world. Mao also saw the war as an opportunity to recover China’s position in Taiwan.
- Mao thought it would advantageous to have a communist buffer zone between China and South Korea.
The USA's Attitudes to the Korean War
The USA's Attitudes to the Korean War
Korea quickly took over the USA’s foreign policy and turned attention away from the rehabilitation of Japan. The USA sent over 260,000 troops to Korea.
Motivations for US involvement in Korea
Motivations for US involvement in Korea
- The Americans believed that Stalin deliberately encouraged Kim II Sung to declare war in order to destabilise the Asian region.
- The USA wanted to make sure that they could contain communism in Asia so became involved in the war.
- The USA wanted to make sure the South Korean government was strong and could withstand attack from the North.
- The USA also sought to continue to protect Taiwan from China.
1Origins of the Cold War, 1945-9
1.1Events of 1945
1.2The Collapse of the Grand Alliance
1.3Developing Tensions
1.4US Involvement in Europe
2Widening of the Cold War
2.1US Containment in Asia
2.2The Korean War
2.3Increasing Cold War Tensions, 1949 -1953
3The Global War
3.2Cold War Rivalries
3.3Conflict in Asia
3.4Confrontation Between Superpowers
4Confrontation & Cooperation
4.2Cooperation
4.3Pressures on the USSR
5Brezhnev Era
5.1Detente
5.2Second Cold War
5.3Developments in Africa & Americas
6Ending of the Cold War
6.1Gorbachev
6.2Cooperation between US & USSR
6.3Collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe
6.4End of Tensions Across the World
Jump to other topics
1Origins of the Cold War, 1945-9
1.1Events of 1945
1.2The Collapse of the Grand Alliance
1.3Developing Tensions
1.4US Involvement in Europe
2Widening of the Cold War
2.1US Containment in Asia
2.2The Korean War
2.3Increasing Cold War Tensions, 1949 -1953
3The Global War
3.2Cold War Rivalries
3.3Conflict in Asia
3.4Confrontation Between Superpowers
4Confrontation & Cooperation
4.2Cooperation
4.3Pressures on the USSR
5Brezhnev Era
5.1Detente
5.2Second Cold War
5.3Developments in Africa & Americas
6Ending of the Cold War
6.1Gorbachev
6.2Cooperation between US & USSR
6.3Collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe
6.4End of Tensions Across the World
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