The Korean War

History 412
Where To Begin?

● Ancient kingdom for over a millennium with a blend of

cultures.
● On the border with ancient China, as well as other ancient
kingdoms.
● Chinese culture has blended into Korean culture, similar to
Rome into Great Britain.
● For over 500 years, the social structure stayed the same
peasantry making the majority of Korean residency under
the aristocracy.
Twentieth century

● Japan was opportunistic on a rebellion in

Korea to start a war with China in 1894.
● Even getting in another world with Tsar
Russia in 1904, and winning in 1905.
● Korea became a protectorate of Japan in
1905 after the war.
● Became a colony in 1910, implementing
Japanese social elites in Korea.
Post World War Two

● Korea is divided as the U.S. and U.S.S.R and agree

to occupy Japanese territory.
● Soviet Union in North Korea and the United States
from 1945-1948.
● Descendants of recorded collaborators are
marginalized in North Korea.
● Not as much discriminiation in South Korea, due to
American occupation against communism.
The Leaders

● In North Korea, Kim Il-Sung was well liked by the

Soviet Union and was placed in charge.
● Eliminated remaining rivals within the Korean
Worker’s Party.
● In South Korea, Syngman Rhee became president
of South Korea due to his advocacy.
● He strong armed political opposition with police
supporting his policies.
Start of the Korean War

● The Korean War began on June 25th, 1950.

● North Korea launched a surprise offensive into South
Korea, cornering the South Koreans in Busan. August
8-September 18.
● Quick advance due to surprise attack and the veterans
of the Chinese Civil War.
● Desperate defense at Busan by the United States
soldiers and South Koreans.
 Significant Events

● Chinese intervention in October of 1950.

○ Encouraged by Joseph Stalin.
● United Nations agreed to intervene in defending South
Korea’s independence.
● Philippines sent over estimated 7,000 soldiers.
○ Yutlong engagement, 40 to 1 odds.
● Philippines didn’t need to send anyone, had the Huk
Rebellion.
○ Communist rebellion against government.
● Korean Was ended in July 1953.
The Resources

● Show students JSTOR to research their own subjects.

○ JSTOR article, Coalition Forces in Korea.
● Show movies of both sides of the conflicts for their
interpretations.
○ 71: into the Fire movie, Tae Guk Gi: The
Brotherhood of War, Jin Gang Chuan: The
Sacrifice, Battle of Lake Changjin.
● The Korean War A History by Bruce Cumings.