handshake.png

Handshake

Part 1 - Rivalry, Mistrust & Accord (The Cold War)

world-map.png

World Map

Case study 1: Japanese Expansion In East Asia 1931-41 (The Global War)

chart-increasing.png

Chart Increasing

Case Study 2: German & Italian Expansion 1933-40 (The Global War)

military-medal.png

Medal

Part 2 - Leaders & Nations (The Cold War)

radioactive.png

Radioactive

Part 3 - Cold War Crises (The Cold War)

🌏 The Big Picture: The Korean War began in 1950 and lasted until 1953. It involved North Korea, with Soviet and Chinese support, against South Korea and its allies, notably the USA. Let&#39;s break down the key players and major events!

<ul>
	<li>Initial Stance: Stalin was originally reluctant to back Kim Il Sung&#39;s ambition for war against South Korea.</li>
	<li>Change of Heart
	<ul>
		<li>🌍 Global Context
		<ul>
			<li>Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War 🇨🇳.</li>
			<li>Soviets now had the atomic bomb 💥.</li>
			<li>Western economic woes.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>🇺🇸 US Influence: US&#39;s anti-communist stance in Japan 🇯🇵 might have influenced Stalin&#39;s strategy in Korea 🇰🇵.</li>
		<li>🚪 Stalin&#39;s Opportunism: He liked seizing chances where risks were low. Acheson&rsquo;s speech could have been a trigger.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Caveats
	<ul>
		<li>Stalin asked Kim to not expect extensive Soviet support.</li>
		<li>Told Kim to get Mao Zedong&rsquo;s approval. &quot;If you face issues, ask Mao, not me!&quot;</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Stalin&rsquo;s Final Role: His endorsement was crucial for the invasion to proceed. Soviet commanders played a big part in the attack preparations.</li>
</ul>

Real-world analogy: Imagine Stalin&#39;s position being like that of a senior endorsing a junior&#39;s project, but with reservations and not providing any funds.

<ul>
	<li>Meeting with Kim: Mao was skeptical of the invasion&#39;s success.</li>
	<li>Reason for Support
	<ul>
		<li>Kim made it seem Stalin was very enthusiastic.</li>
		<li>Mao was plotting an invasion of Taiwan 🇹🇼 and wanted Soviet support.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Assumption: Mao believed no troops were needed on the Korean border even if the US intervened.</li>
	<li>Surprise Attack!: The invasion surprised many, including Mao, the South Koreans, and Americans.</li>
</ul>

Real-world analogy: Imagine Mao being a friend who reluctantly joins a party, believing another friend (Stalin) is super excited, only to find out he&#39;s been somewhat misled.

<ul>
	<li>
	First Few Months

	<ul>
		<li>📌 North Koreans almost completely take over South Korea.</li>
		<li>🇺🇸 South Korean &amp; US troops confined to a small area in Pusan.</li>
		<li>🚢 Surprise move: General MacArthur&#39;s amphibious landing at Inchon. Result? Retakes Seoul and pushes North Koreans back.</li>
		<li>🎯 New Aim: US shifts from &#39;containment&#39; to &#39;roll-back&#39; - they want to free North Korea from communism.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	The China Factor

	<ul>
		<li>🚶&zwj;♂️ As UN forces march towards the Yalu river, China feels threatened.</li>
		<li>🇨🇳 Huge Chinese forces join North Koreans, pushing back UN troops.</li>
		<li>💂&zwj;♂️ Stalemate develops around the 38th parallel.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Changing US Strategy

	<ul>
		<li>🔄 US reverts to the original aim of containment.</li>
		<li>😡 General MacArthur and President Truman disagree on the approach. MacArthur gets fired.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Towards Peace

	<ul>
		<li>📝 Peace talks begin in 1951, mainly focusing on prisoners of war.</li>
		<li>⚔️ Fighting continues for two more years with heavy casualties.</li>
		<li>🌪️ US threatens China with nuclear weapons.</li>
		<li>🤝 Finally, a military armistice is signed in 1953.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

Real-world analogy: Think of the war like a very intense tug-of-war, where sides are pulled back and forth until everyone&#39;s exhausted and agrees to stop pulling.

&nbsp;

🌟 To Remember: Wars are often influenced by a mix of personal ambitions, global events, and strategic decisions. The Korean War is a classic example of this interplay.

&nbsp;

Happy studying! 📚🚀🎓

Stalin & Mao: The Hidden Forces Behind The Korean War

ib-standard-level.webp

Standard Level

History SL

Part 1 - Rivalry, Mistrust & Accord (The Cold War)

Stalin & Mao: The Hidden Forces Behind The Korean War

Table of content

Stalin's Role in the War 🎩

Unlock the Full Content!

Part 1 - Rivalry, Mistrust & Accord (The Cold War)

Stalin & Mao: The Hidden Forces Behind The Korean War

Table of content

Stalin's Role in the War 🎩

Unlock the Full Content!