• 1910: Japan annexed Korea.
• End of WW2: Japan still occupied Korea.
• 1945 Revolution: Led by Korean nationalists including Communists.
• Post-WW2: USA & USSR decided the fate of Korea, not the nationalists.

• Cold War: USA & USSR became frenemies.
• Different Administrations
  • South: Syngman Rhee (anti-Japanese rebel, long exile, older).
  • North: Kim Il Sung (young, Russian-trained, anti-Japanese guerrilla).

Similarities between Rhee & Kim

• Both were Korean nationalists.
• Both opposed Korea's split.
• Both wanted to be the leader of a united Korea.

1947: Korea's split is confirmed due to Cold War tensions.

• South Korea: Republic of Korea (ROK) established, undemocratic, anti-Communist.
• North Korea: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) established, backed by Communist countries.
  • 1948-1949: Both USA & USSR withdrew their troops.
  • USA's Asia Strategy: Maintain "strong points" from Japan to the Philippines. South Korea and Taiwan were not part of their main defense strategy.

The Main Question: Why get involved in a war after withdrawing? 💥

• Orthodox View: USSR started it.
• Revisionist View: USSR didn't start it; maybe it was North Korea's response to the South.
• Historian Bruce Cumings (1981): USSR's control over North Korea wasn't strong. Kim Il Sung possibly acted independently.