History TFA (2) 2

Institut Sainte-Marie d’Arlon
History TFE Paper

Amidst the Cold War
The Korean Conflict
Cozier Guilhem
Souirji Victor
History Course
6th Immersion
Mr. De Backer Fabrice
April 15, 2024
Cozier Guilhem Amidst the Cold War 15/04/2024
Souirji Victor The Korean Conflict
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Table of Content
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3
2 Origins of the Korean War ................................................................................................. 4
2.1 From the Joseon Dynasty to the Japanese occupation ................................................... 4
2.2 Liberation and Division ................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Rise of Ideological Differences ..................................................................................... 6
2.4 Syngman Rhee’s Rise to Power and Rule...................................................................... 6
2.5 Kim Il-Sung's Rise to Power and Rule .......................................................................... 7
2.6 Challenges of Nation-Building ...................................................................................... 8
2.7 Support of Stalin and Mao ............................................................................................. 9
3 The Korean War ................................................................................................................. 9
3.1 Invasion of South Korea by North Korea ...................................................................... 9
3.2 Reaction of the United States and the United Nations ................................................. 10
3.3 Pusan Perimeter ........................................................................................................... 12
3.4 Refugee Crisis .............................................................................................................. 13
3.5 Battle of Inchon............................................................................................................ 14
3.6 Battle of Chosin Reservoir ........................................................................................... 15
3.7 Consequences of China’s Involvement ........................................................................ 16
3.8 Motivations of China’s Involvement ........................................................................... 16
3.9 Bombing of North Korea ............................................................................................. 17
3.10 Death of Stalin ............................................................................................................. 18
3.11 Armistice ...................................................................................................................... 19
4 Aftermath ......................................................................................................................... 21
4.1 War’s Toll .................................................................................................................... 21
4.2 Reconstruction of Korea .............................................................................................. 21
4.3 “Second Korean War”.................................................................................................. 22
5 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 25
History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 2 / 30

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1 Introduction
The Korean War, a poignant emblem of the intricate nature and repercussions of global rivalry
post-World War II, arose amidst the ideological clash of the Cold War. This brutal proxy
conflict pitched democratic capitalism against authoritarian communism on the Korean
Peninsula, imprinting a lasting mark on the region and the wider world. Embedded within a
complex context of historical grievances, geopolitical rivalries, and ideological strife, the
Korean War unfolded along a swiftly shifting international backdrop, induced by the ambitions
and apprehensions of superpowers vying for dominance.
From the initial incursion of North Korean forces into South Korea to the subsequent
intervention of the United Nations and the gripping military confrontations that ensued, the
Korean War stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of warfare, division, and reconciliation
in the contemporary era. Through an outline of the political, military1, and humanitarian facets
of the conflict, the aim of this text is to give a comprehensive overview of the origins,
progression, and aftermath of the Korean War. In order to achieve this, we will answer the
following questions:
− What were the specific events and underlying factors that precipitated the outbreak of the
Korean War in 1950?
− How did the involvement of the United Nations, the Soviet Union, and China shape the
course and outcome of the Korean War, and what were their respective motivations for
intervening?
− In what sequence did key events unfold during the Korean War, and what were the major
turning points that influenced its trajectory?
− How did the Korean War impact the Korean population both during and after the conflict,
and how did these effects shape the subsequent development of the divided Korean
peninsula?
1 This paper will not discuss specific military aspects of the Korean War (no mention of military equipment,
strategies and tactics...)

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2 Origins of the Korean War

2.1 From the Joseon Dynasty to the Japanese occupation
It is only recently that Korea has been divided. From 1392 to 1897, Korea remained a
unified nation under the Joseon Dynasty. Despite occasional influences from China, Korea
maintained its distinct identity, language, traditions, and political system. The Joseon Dynasty
oversaw a period of significant cultural and political development, fostering Korea's unique
heritage while interacting with neighboring powers. However, the end of the Joseon Dynasty
marked the beginning of a new era with the formation of the Korean Empire in 1897. Despite
its brief existence, the Korean Empire faced challenges, including external pressures from
surrounding nations.
Soon after its inception, the Korean Empire fell under the protectorate of the Japanese
Empire, signaling the start of Japanese influence over the Korean Peninsula. This transition
from a unified Korea to a nation under foreign domination laid the groundwork for the turbulent
period of Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.
Japan made sweeping changes in Korea. It began a process of Japanization, eventually
functionally banning the use of Korean names and the Korean language altogether. Tens of
thousands of cultural artifacts were looted and taken to Japan, and hundreds of historic
buildings like the royal palaces. Japan also created infrastructure and industry. Railroads, ports,
and roads were built, although in many cases workers were subjected to poor working
circumstances and discriminatory pay.
These conditions led to the birth of the Korean independence movement, which acted both
politically and militantly sometimes within the Japanese Empire, but mostly from outside of it.
Koreans were also subjected to several mass murders, including the Gando Massacre, Kantō
Massacre, Jeamni massacre, and Shinano River incident.
Beginning in 1939 and during World War II, Japan mobilized around 5.4 million Koreans
to support its war effort. Many were moved forcefully from their homes and set to work in
extremely poor working conditions, although there was a range in what people experienced.
Women and girls aged 12-17 were infamously recruited forcefully by Japan into functional
sexual slavery referred to as "comfort women".

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A 1945 map from National Geographic depicting Korea, featuring Japanese location
names and provincial borders
On August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito officially

announced the surrender of Japan, putting an end to
the Pacific Theater of World War II and the Japanese
occupation of Korea. For many Koreans, especially
those who had suffered under Japanese oppression,
this news brought a mix of relief, joy, and hope for
a better future. It meant the end of Japanese colonial
rule and the prospect of Korean independence.
However, the delight was tempered by the
realization that Korea would soon be divided along
the 38th parallel by the victorious Allied powers,
with the Soviet Union occupying the north and the
United States occupying
the south.
Emperor Hirohito in 1935
2.2 Liberation and Division

The division of Korea commenced on August 15, 1945. During the war, Allied leaders
deliberated over Korea's post-war fate, envisioning its liberation from Japanese rule but placing

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it under international trusteeship until deemed ready for self-governance. As the war neared its
end, at the Yalta Conference the United States proposed splitting the Korean peninsula into
two occupation zones, delineated by the 38th parallel, with the Soviets consenting to the
division.
This partition was initially intended as a temporary measure until the implementation of
the trusteeship. In December 1945, the Moscow Conference of Foreign Ministers produced an
agreement for a five-year, four-power trusteeship involving the United States, Soviet Union,
China, and the United Kingdom. However, amid the onset of the Cold War and various
international and domestic complexities, including Korean resistance to the trusteeship,
negotiations between the United States and Soviet Union over the following two years failed,
effectively nullifying the sole agreed-upon framework for the re-establishment of an
independent, unified Korean state.
Amidst these geopolitical maneuvers, Koreans harbored hope for lasting peace and swift
reunification following the end of World War II. However, divergent ambitions emerged as
Stalin sought to expand his sphere of influence, while Truman aimed to contain the spread of
communism through initiatives like the Marshall Plan.
2.3 Rise of Ideological Differences

With the beginning of the Cold War, the Korean question was referred to the United Nations.
In 1948, following the UN's inability to reach an agreement satisfactory to the Soviet
Union, elections overseen by the UN were conducted solely in the US-controlled southern
region. Syngman Rhee emerged victorious in these elections, while Kim Il-Sung solidified his
leadership in the Soviet-administered northern part of Korea. Consequently, the Republic of
Korea was established in the south on August 15, 1948, swiftly followed by the formation of
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north on September 9, 1948.
The United States threw its support behind the South under Syngman Rhee's leadership,
while the Soviet Union backed the North led by Kim Il-Sung. Each government claimed
sovereignty over the entire Korean peninsula.
2.4 Syngman Rhee’s Rise to Power and Rule

Born in 1875 in Korea and converted to Christianism in his youth, Syngman Rhee went to
study at the university of Princeton in the United States, where he became involved in
advocating for Korean independence.

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Syngman Rhee was a prominent Korean nationalist and independence activist during the
period of Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945). After World War II, Rhee emerged as a
key figure in the South, where he played a significant role in shaping the politics of the newly
established Republic of Korea.
In the first presidential elections held in South Korea in 1948, Rhee won the presidency,
largely due to his reputation as a nationalist leader and his advocacy for Korean independence.
However, he quickly revealed to be a ruthless authoritarian ruler whose only goal was to reunify
Korea under his rule and suppress communist ideas.
Pictures of Syngman Rhee (President of South Korea from 1948 to 1960)

1 picture: Syngman Rhee young – 2nd picture: Syngman Rhee handshaking US president Harry Truman
st
In 1948, the newly installed government of Syngman Rhee in Seoul by the United States
suppressed a peasant revolt on the island of Jeju, resulting in a death toll estimated between
30,000 and 60,000 among the island's inhabitants.
More broadly, the repression targeting "communists" (or those suspected of being such)
resulted in 200,000 victims between 1946 and 1950. At the beginning of 1950, Rhee had
imprisoned 30,000 communists. Approximately 300,000 other Koreans, suspected of
communist sympathies, were sent for "reeducation" in the Bodo League movement, and then
executed by the South Korean armed forces during their retreat in June in the face of the North
Korean army.
Before and after the Korean War, Syngman Rhee embezzled financial support of the
United States for his own political party and personal interest, preventing the development of
infrastructures and the improvement of living conditions in South Korea. This topic will be
further explored in section 4.2, “Reconstruction of Korea”.
2.5 Kim Il-Sung's Rise to Power and Rule

Born in 1912 in Korea, Kim Il-Sung initially gained prominence as a resistance leader against
Japanese occupation during World War II. He quickly became a war hero, and his head was
bountied by the Japanese. For safety, he initially fled to northeastern China in the early 1930s,
where he became involved in communist activities and received military training.

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From China, Kim Il-Sung operated as a guerrilla fighter against the Japanese colonial
forces in Korea. He led a group of Korean communist guerrillas known as the Korean People's
Revolutionary Army (KPRA), which fought against Japanese rule in northeastern China and
later conducted raids into Korea.
In 1940, Kim Il-Sung traveled to the Soviet Union, specifically to Siberia, where he
received further military training and education. During his time in the Soviet Union, he also
learned Russian and became fluent in the language.
This period in the Soviet Union was significant for Kim Il-Sung's political development.
As he took this opportunity to establish connections with Soviet authorities and communist
leaders, which would later prove beneficial during his rule of North Korea. After the war, with
Soviet backing, he established the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) in
1948.
Kim Il-Sung (Supreme Leader of North Korea from 1948-1994)

Kim Il-Sung consolidated power through a cult of personality, portraying himself as the
hero who defeated the Japanese invaders almost on his own, legitimizing his supreme power.
He implemented a totalitarian regime, suppressing dissent and opposition, while promoting his
own ideology of Juche (self-reliance) as the guiding principle of the state.
Under Kim Il-Sung's rule, North Korea developed a highly centralized government and
economy, with absolute control over all aspects of society. His regime maintained power
through a combination of propaganda, repression, and control over the military and security
apparatus.
2.6 Challenges of Nation-Building

Both North and South Korea faced significant challenges in the immediate post-World War II
period, including rebuilding their economies, establishing political stability, and asserting their
sovereignty. These challenges were complexified by ongoing tensions between the two zones
and interference from external powers.

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Despite the division, there were some early efforts at reconciliation and reunification
between North and South Korea. However, these efforts were unsuccessful due to ideological
differences, political maneuvering, and foreign pressures from the Soviet Union and the United
States.
2.7 Support of Stalin and Mao

After the victory of the Communists over the Nationalists, in 1949, in China, Kim Il-Sung saw
the opportunity to gather the support of Joseph Stalin (supreme ruler of the USSR) and Mao
Zedong (leader of the Chinese Communist Party) to conquer South Korea.
In April 1950, Kim Il-Sung traveled to Moscow to secure Stalin's approval for the invasion.
Stalin initially hesitated, fearing a direct confrontation with the United States, but eventually
gave his consent after Kim assured him that the United States would not intervene militarily,
being too occupied in Europe. Stalin also provided military equipment, training, and logistical
support to North Korea.
Following Stalin's approval, Kim Il-Sung sought Mao Zedong's endorsement. In May 1950, he
visited Beijing to discuss the planned invasion with Mao. Mao was initially cautious but
eventually agreed to support North Korea, viewing the conflict as an opportunity to expand
communism in East Asia and weaken American influence in the region. With the backing of
both Stalin and Mao, Kim Il-Sung launched the invasion of South Korea on June 25, 1950,
initiating the Korean War.
Kim Il-Sung and Stalin enjoying dinner – Mao Zedong shaking hands with Kim Il-Sung 1950
3 The Korean War

3.1 Invasion of South Korea by North Korea
On June 25, 1950, the Korean War erupted as North Korean forces of around 223,000 men,
known as the Korean People's Army (KPA), crossed the 38th parallel, the dividing line between
North and South Korea. Bolstered by heavy equipment supplied by the USSR, including

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powerful T-34 tanks, North Korean troops rapidly advanced southward, overwhelming the
helpless South Korean defenses and capturing key cities and territories in the initial days of the
conflict.
By June 28, 1950, just three days after the invasion began, North Korean forces had
reached and entered Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The South Korean army and its allies
were unable to halt the advance of the better-equipped and more numerous North Korean troops.
Following the capture of Seoul, North Korean forces established control over the city, imposing
military rule and suppressing opposition. This take-over gave North Korea a significant
propaganda advantage and allowed them to later consolidate their domination over much of
South Korea.
Destroyed T-34 Tank along the road during the Korean War
Numerous accounts from survivors, refugees, and international observers documented
instances of expeditive judgments, executions, kidnappings, torture, mass killings, and other
forms of violence perpetrated by North Korean soldiers against the South Korean population
indiscriminately (including women and children), particularly those perceived as sympathetic
to the South Korean government, resistant to the North Korean occupation or who refused to
join the communist party.
One of the most infamous incidents occurred in the war's early stages in the town of Taejon,
where hundreds of civilians were reportedly executed by North Korean troops. Similar
atrocities were reported in other towns and villages as North Korean forces advanced
southward.
3.2 Reaction of the United States and the United Nations

The invasion of South Korea immediately sent shockwaves through the international
community. In response, the newly formed United Nations, tasked with maintaining global

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peace in the aftermath of World War II, swiftly acted. On June 27, 1950, the UN adopted
Resolution 83, urging member states to provide military assistance to South Korea. And on
July 7, Resolution 84 was passed, opening the way for a joint military operation involving
several UN member countries to restore peace.
UN’s 83rd and 84th Resolutions

The outbreak of the Korean War caught the Truman administration off guard, as its
military focus had shifted away from conventional warfare in Europe and Asia toward the
emerging Cold War rivalry with the Soviet Union. The United States military was in a state of
transition and demobilization following the end of World War II, as they thought that the
atomic bomb would dissuade any attempt to attack them and their allies. The U.S. had been
primarily focused on rebuilding Western Europe through initiatives like the Marshall Plan and
containing communism through diplomatic means, thus training programs were focused more
on occupation duties rather than large-scale combat operations.
Despite the challenges posed by strategic realignment, the United States quickly mobilized
its military forces to respond to the North Korean invasion of South Korea. President Harry
Truman authorized the deployment of US troops to Korea under the United Nations flag,
marking the beginning of American involvement in the conflict.
One major reason for such rapid commitment was the fall of China to the communists.
U.S. experts on East Asia saw Japan as the critical counterweight to the Soviet Union and China
in the region. While there was no U.S. policy considering South Korea directly as a national
interest, its proximity to Japan increased its importance. President Truman was also fearful to
be accused of not responding to the spread of communism in Asia, since he was already being
held accountable for leaving China to the communists, by his political opponents.

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3.3 Pusan Perimeter

Lacking sufficient anti-tank weapons, artillery and armor, the UN forces were unfit to contain
the KPA advancement, thus were forced to retreat down the Korean Peninsula. By September
1950, UN forces were on the brink of defeat hemmed into a small corner of southeast Korea,
near Pusan. This 230-kilometre perimeter enclosed about 10% of Korea, in a line partially
defined by the Nakdong River. It was considered the last advantageous defensive position.
The first map illustrates the progressive territorial gains made by North Korea (the Pusan Perimeter
marks the boundary of the green section of the peninsula). The second map shows a more precise
depiction of the Pusan Perimeter (delimited by the blue line).
The UN troops, consisting mostly of forces from the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA),
United States, and United Kingdom, mounted a last stand around the perimeter, fighting off
repeated KPA attacks for six weeks as they were engaged around the cities of Taegu, Masan,
and Pohang and the Naktong River. Although hefty, KPA assaults were unsuccessful in forcing
the UN troops back farther from the perimeter.
Such an outcome was largely due to the difference in supply capacities. Throughout the
fighting, North Korean troops were hampered by supply shortages and massive losses. The UN
forces, however, used the port of Busan to amass an overwhelming advantage in troops,
equipment, and logistics, and its navy and air forces remained unchallenged by the KPA.
Unspoken atrocities were committed by both sides during the stalemate. Executions and torture

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of enemy soldiers were common, but also massacres of the South Korean population.
Pictures taken during the Pusan Perimeter Battle
3.4 Refugee Crisis

From the beginning of the War, hundreds of thousands of South Koreans migrated from Seoul
to Pusan, fleeing the KPA and seeking the aid of the United Nations.
Already under pressure from the enemy attacks, managing a large population of
displaced civilians in a war zone posed significant security challenges for the UN forces.
There were great concerns about North Korean infiltrators among the refugees. The UN
forces were faced by a moral dilemma. On several occasions, American soldiers fired on the
crowds of refugees, killing many civilians including women, elderlies, children and infants.
Korean Refugees who were likely to be heading to Pusan

NB: To this day the United States has never acknowledged responsibility for such actions, even
though evidence has been found, showing that these massacres were explicitly ordered by high-
ranking military officers of the US army.

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3.5 Battle of Inchon

During the summer of 1950, although weakening the KPA maintained the pressure on the UN
forces preventing any progress, the stalemate dragged on, multiplying the American victims.
To turn the course of the war to their advantage, General Douglas MacArthur, a mastermind of
military strategy and war hero of WWII devised a bold plan to execute a surprise amphibious
landing behind enemy lines at the port city of Incheon. This audacious maneuver aimed to cut
the North Korean supply lines and outflank the KPA forces, who were entrenched further south.
Douglas MacArthur (26 January 1880 – 5 April 1964) was an American military leader who
served as General of the Army for the United States. On the second picture MacArthur is
shaking the hand of President Truman.
Despite his reputation, many military leaders initially opposed MacArthur's plan, known
as ‘Operation Chromite’, due to its risky nature. The narrow channel leading to Incheon posed
significant challenges, with treacherous tides and unpredictable weather conditions.
Additionally, skeptics doubted the feasibility of executing such a large-scale amphibious
assault.
However, Operation Chromite proved to be a stroke of genius. On September 15, 1950,
the American Marines landed. Unprepared, defending North Korean troops tried to stop them
but were quickly outnumbered. By September 19, Incheon had fallen into the hands of the
Americans. By securing a vital supply line and dividing the enemy's forces, the successful
capture of Incheon dramatically shifted the war's momentum in favor of the UN forces and
paved the way for subsequent American offensives.

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Following the triumph at Incheon, UN forces,

commanded by General MacArthur, quickly moved
inland, freeing Seoul and driving North Korean
troops northward. The retreating North Korean army
enabled UN forces to secure substantial territorial
gains.
3.6 Battle of Chosin Reservoir

After the successful Battle of Incheon, United Nations
forces, led by General MacArthur, swiftly advanced
inland, liberating Seoul and pushing North Korean
troops northwards. The North Korean army, facing
defeat, retreated hastily, allowing UN forces to make
significant territorial gains.
However, the rapid UN advance eventually led
them to confront a new adversary: the Chinese People's
Volunteer Army. Ignoring warnings of Chinese intervention, MacArthur's forces continued
their northward push, unaware of the massive Chinese presence waiting to strike.
The situation escalated into a brutal confrontation at the Chosin Reservoir in late
November 1950. The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, also known as the Changjin Reservoir
Campaign, was a grueling engagement characterized by harsh winter conditions and fierce
combat. UN forces (~30,000 men) found themselves surrounded and outnumbered by Chinese
troops (~120,000 men), enduring relentless attacks.
Despite facing overwhelming odds and enduring severe casualties, UN forces managed to
execute a daring breakout, fighting their way through Chinese encirclement to safety.

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Pictures of the UN force (left) and the Chinese Volunteer Army (right).
3.7 Consequences of China’s Involvement

While the UN forces managed to break out of the Chinese encirclement and avoid complete
destruction, the Battle of Chosin Reservoir marked a turning point in the conflict.
Firstly, it demonstrated the extent of China’s intention to intervene in the war. The massive
Chinese involvement caught UN forces off guard and shattered the illusion of a swift victory.
It forced a reassessment of military strategy and highlighted the need for greater caution and
preparedness in dealing with the Chinese forces.
Secondly, it resulted in heavy casualties for both sides, estimates being 13,900 UN
casualties and ~60,000 Chinese casualties. While the UN managed to avoid total defeat, the
battle significantly depleted their ranks and strained their resources.
Furthermore, the battle led to a reevaluation of UN objectives in the war. The initial goal
of reunifying Korea under a democratic government was now overshadowed by the necessity
of containing the conflict and preventing further loss of territory.
3.8 Motivations of China’s Involvement

China interfered in the Korean War primarily for strategic, diplomatic and ideological reasons.
Strategically, China viewed the presence of UN forces, particularly American troops,
advancing towards its border as a threat to its national security. Concerned about the potential
establishment of a pro-Western, unified Korea on its doorstep, China decided to intervene to
prevent this outcome and to safeguard its own interests.
Diplomatically and ideologically, before the Korean War even began Mao Zedong (ruler
of China) had promised to help Kim Il-Sung conquer the South in case a difficult situation

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arose. Furthermore, North Korea enjoyed close ties with China and was a fellow communist
ally. China saw an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the communist cause by
coming to North Korea's aid and opposing the perceived imperialist aggression of the United
Nations forces.
Withal, China sought to assert its growing influence on the global stage and challenge the
dominance of the United States in East Asia. The Korean War provided China with an
opportunity to assert its military capabilities and position itself as a major player in the region.
3.9 Bombing of North Korea

The interference of China forced the United States to reconsider its military strategy in Korea.
While there were discussions within the U.S. government about the possibility of using atomic
weapons to counter the Chinese obstacle, such a decision was ultimately deemed too risky due
to the potential for escalation into a larger global conflict, particularly with the Soviet Union.
Instead of resorting to atomic weapons, the United States pursued a strategy of
containment and limited warfare. This approach aimed to avoid direct confrontation with China
or the Soviet Union while seeking to hold back the spread of communism on the Korean
Peninsula.
To weaken the North Korean military and encourage them to surrender, the United States
conducted extensive bombing campaigns 2 targeting North Korean cities, infrastructure, and
military installations, using unlimited quantities of napalm. By the end of the war, all cities and
villages were flattened, nothing remained. The bombing campaigns were carried out by both
conventional aircraft and, in some cases, by strategic bombers such as B-29 Super fortresses.
This continued for 2 years until the armistice.
Pictures of the US Bombing Campaign
2 South Korea had also been extensively bombed by the US Airforce during the Pusan Perimeter defense.

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Pictures of North Korean cities after the bombing
3.10 Death of Stalin

After the death of Joseph Stalin in March 1953, the Soviet Union initially maintained its support
for North Korea in the Korean War. Despite Stalin's death, the Soviet leadership under Georgy
Malenkov continued to provide military and economic aid to North Korea and remained
dedicated to the communist cause in the conflict.
Joseph Stalin's body lying in repose in Moscow, March 1953.

However, as the war dragged on and negotiations for a ceasefire intensified, the new Soviet
leadership began to explore possibilities for ending the confrontations. Malenkov and other
Soviet leaders recognized the toll the war was taking on both North Korea and China, as well
as the risk of broader escalation with the United States.
In June 1953, just months after Stalin's death, the Soviet Union played a crucial role in
facilitating the armistice negotiations that eventually led to the end of hostilities in the Korean
War. Soviet diplomats, led by Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov, worked alongside their
Chinese counterparts to broker the ceasefire agreement, which was signed on July 27, 1953.

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3.11 Armistice
The armistice agreement that ended the Korean War established several key measures to halt
hostilities and stabilize the situation on the Korean Peninsula:
− Ceasefire: The most crucial aspect of the armistice was the establishment of a ceasefire,
bringing an end to the active fighting between the belligerent parties.
Representatives from both warring factions signed the Korean Armistice Agreement in
Panmunjom, initiating the ongoing ceasefire between the two Koreas.
− Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): The agreement created a demilitarized zone along the 38th
parallel, the pre-war boundary between North and South Korea. This zone served as a buffer
area, with troops and military equipment prohibited within a specified distance from the
border.

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Soldier posing next to a DMZ sign
− Exchange of Prisoners of War: The armistice agreement provided for the repatriation of
prisoners of war held by both sides. A process was established for the voluntary repatriation
of prisoners, with those choosing not to return given the option to stay in the country of
their choice.

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4 Aftermath
4.1 War’s Toll
The Korean War is among the most destructive conflict in the modern era, inflicting around 3
million fatalities 3 and a larger proportion of civilian deaths than World War II or the Vietnam
War.
As with any war, it had a profound and lasting impact on the population, resulting in
widespread trauma, loss, and disruption. The Korean War subjected civilians to unimaginable
levels of violence, fear, and psychological distress. Many civilians experienced the atrocities
of war firsthand, resulting in them suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These
wounds made it increasingly difficult for survivors to reconstruct their lives after the conflict.
On top of that families were torn apart by the chaos of th1e war and the division of the
Korean Peninsula, with relatives finding themselves on opposite sides of the border. Even after
the armistice the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) became an impenetrable barrier separating
families, making reunification difficult or impossible for many.
Furthermore, the fighting triggered a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions, with
civilians suffering from food shortages, disease outbreaks, and inadequate access to medical
care. The conflict disrupted essential services and infrastructure, exacerbating the already
challenging conditions faced by the Korean population.
Not to mention, soldiers also suffered greatly. It is estimated that over 2.5 million military
personnel from various nations were killed, wounded, or went missing during the Korean War.
This includes troops from South Korea, North Korea, China, the United States, and other UN
member states.
4.2 Reconstruction of Korea

Because of the massive destruction of the war. The Korean economy was nonexistent.
Everything had to be rebuilt from ground zero.
Despite the hundreds of millions of dollars provided by the United States, South Korea
remained one of the poorest countries on earth. For the next seven years after the armistice of
1953, Syngman Rhee ruled as a corrupt and ruthless totalitarian ruler. He used the financial aid
from the U.S. for his own party and personal interests. No investments were made into any
economic plan to rebuild South Korea. The population's living conditions remained harsh for
a long time. In April 1960, due to irregularities committed during his last election, violent
protests broke out, forcing him to resign and leave the country.
3According to Wikipedia. Note that estimates vary a lot from 1,5 million to 5 million deaths depending on the
source.

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In North Korea, despite the utter destruction of infrastructures, Kim Il-Sung succeeded to
get the economy back on track very swiftly, while reshaping the country in his image. This
quick recovery of North Korea was largely achieved thanks to the extensive help of the USSR
and communist China. He strengthened his power with anti-American propaganda, a growing
cult of personality and massive purges in 1958 and 1959, killing about 100,000 people. By
1961, Kim Il-Sung was a supreme ruler, a legendary hero, and a god to the North Korean
population.
Park Chung-Hee (South Korea’s president from 1962 to 1979)

In 1968, in South Korea, the economy boomed under the new president Park Chung-Hee,
thanks to policies focused on export. He was a dictator, but his reforms worked. While South
Korea had substantial growth, North Korea came into economic decline.
4.3 “Second Korean War”

Between 1967 and 1972, North Korea made concerted efforts to incite conflict with South
Korea, seeking to reignite war through a series of assassination attempts targeting high-ranking
South Korean officials, including President Park Chung-Hee in 1968, which went on failing.
Just two days later, on January 3, 1968, North Korea seized an American vessel, the USS
Pueblo, which was operating in close proximity to its shores. All 82 crew members were
subsequently detained in Pyongyang and subjected to torture and humiliation for a duration of
11 months.

Class 6B ISMA
Pictures of the USS Pueblo and the capture of its crew by North Korea
The crew of the USS Pueblo
At the same time, in 1968, with the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, there was
apprehension among Americans that Park Chung-Hee might instigate a new Korean War, a
concern that aligned with his true intentions. However, no major powers in the vicinity
harbored any inclination towards igniting a fresh conflict on the Korean Peninsula. The U.S.
military was heavily engaged in Vietnam, the USSR was preoccupied with its incursion into
Yugoslavia, and China was undergoing a period of cultural renewal. Under the pressure of the
United States, President Park renounced his retaliation, leading to the release of the crew of the
USS Pueblo. While tensions momentarily subsided, ongoing friction has persisted to this day.

Class 6B ISMA
The Olympic Games of Seoul, 1988
By the late 1980s, preceding the Seoul Olympic Games, there was a profound shift in the
global perception of the conflict. South Korea emerged as a frontrunner, showcasing the
supremacy of democratic governance. This transformation deeply unsettled North Korea,
prompting attempts to undermine it. In 1987, shortly before the Olympics scheduled for the
following year, two North Korean agents planted a bomb on a Korean Airlines plane, resulting
in the tragic deaths of 104 passengers and 11 crew members. This act of terrorism aimed to
deter people from attending the Seoul Olympic Games but instead had the opposite effect. It
served to underscore to the entire world that South Korea was the true victor of the never-
ending war.
Crashed plane of Korean Airline due to North Korean terrorist attack. A total of 104
passengers died and 11 crew members.

Class 6B ISMA
5 Conclusion
In conclusion, the Korean War stands as a pivotal moment in modern history, shaped by a
complex interplay of political, ideological, and strategic factors. Originating from the historical
grievances of colonialism and the ideological divide of the Cold War, the conflict erupted with
the invasion of South Korea by North Korean forces in 1950. The involvement of key actors
such as the United Nations, the Soviet Union, China, and the United States further shaped the
course and outcome of the war, each driven by their own motivations and interests.
The sequence of events during the Korean War, from the initial invasion to the decisive
battles at the Pusan Perimeter and Inchon, underscored the brutality and intensity of the conflict.
Major turning points, such as the intervention of Chinese forces and the Battle of Chosin
Reservoir, reshaped the trajectory of the war and highlighted the complexities of the
geopolitical landscape.
The impact of the Korean War on the Korean population was profound and enduring,
leading to widespread devastation, displacement, and suffering. Both during and after the
conflict, civilians bore the brunt of the violence, enduring unimaginable trauma and loss. The
division of the Korean Peninsula into North and South Korea following the armistice further
compounded the human cost of the war, leading to the separation of families and the
perpetuation of tensions between the two states.
Despite the immense toll of the war, both North and South Korea embarked on paths of
reconstruction and development in the aftermath of the conflict. While South Korea
experienced economic growth under the leadership of President Park Chung-Hee, North Korea

Class 6B ISMA
faced economic decline and isolation, relying on support from the Soviet Union and China to
sustain its regime.
The conflict emerged against the backdrop of the Cold War, a global ideological struggle
between the United States and the Soviet Union, which set the stage for proxy conflicts and
military interventions across the globe. The invasion of South Korea by North Korean forces
on June 25, 1950, prompted a swift response from the international community, as the newly
formed United Nations rallied behind the cause of preserving peace and stability on the Korean
Peninsula. Resolutions passed by the UN Security Council mobilized member states to provide
military assistance to South Korea, marking the beginning of a multinational effort to repel the
aggression and restore peace to the region.
The Korean War tested the resolve and capabilities of the United States, which found itself
thrust into a conflict far from its shores, amid the challenges of post-World War II
demobilization and strategic realignment. Despite these obstacles, American forces, under the
auspices of the United Nations, intervened decisively to stem the tide of North Korean
aggression and push back against the communist advance.
The conflict witnessed a series of pivotal engagements, from the desperate defense of the
Pusan Perimeter to the daring amphibious landing at Incheon, each shaping the course of the
war and its eventual outcome. Yet, amid the strategic maneuvers and battlefield victories, the
Korean War exacted a heavy toll on the civilian population, resulting in widespread devastation,
displacement, and loss of life.
The armistice agreement signed in 1953 brought an end to the active fighting, yet the
legacy of the Korean War continues to reverberate to this day. The division of the Korean
Peninsula persists, with North and South Korea remaining divided by the heavily fortified
Demilitarized Zone. The conflict's enduring impact is felt in the geopolitical tensions that
continue to define the region, as well as the ongoing humanitarian and human rights challenges
faced by the North Korean people.
As we reflect on the origins, conduct, and aftermath of the Korean War, we are reminded
of the profound human cost of armed conflict and the imperative of pursuing peace and
reconciliation in the pursuit of a better future for all.
Bibliography

Class 6B ISMA
[2.1-4.3] Corée, une guerre sans fin | ARTE (youtube.com)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0Fmj6G69KQ
Last modified: 2017
[2.1] How Japan Took Control of Korea | HISTORY

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[2.1] Korea under Japanese rule - Wikipedia
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[2.1-3.3] La fascinante histoire des 2 Corées | Hugodécrypte (youtube.com)
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[2.2-2.3] Division of Korea - Wikipedia

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[2.4] Syngman Rhee - Wikipedia

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[2.5] Kim Il-Sung - president of North Korea - Britannica

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Institut Sainte-Marie d’Arlon

History TFE Paper

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 2 / 30

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 3 / 30

2 Origins of the Korean War

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 4 / 30

On August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito officially

2.2 Liberation and Division

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 5 / 30

2.3 Rise of Ideological Differences

2.4 Syngman Rhee’s Rise to Power and Rule

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 6 / 30

Pictures of Syngman Rhee (President of South Korea from 1948 to 1960)

2.5 Kim Il-Sung's Rise to Power and Rule

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 7 / 30

Kim Il-Sung (Supreme Leader of North Korea from 1948-1994)

2.6 Challenges of Nation-Building

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 8 / 30

2.7 Support of Stalin and Mao

3 The Korean War

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 9 / 30

3.2 Reaction of the United States and the United Nations

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 10 / 30

UN’s 83rd and 84th Resolutions

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 11 / 30

3.3 Pusan Perimeter

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 12 / 30

Pictures taken during the Pusan Perimeter Battle

3.4 Refugee Crisis

Korean Refugees who were likely to be heading to Pusan

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 13 / 30

3.5 Battle of Inchon

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 14 / 30

Following the triumph at Incheon, UN forces,

3.6 Battle of Chosin Reservoir

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 15 / 30

3.7 Consequences of China’s Involvement

3.8 Motivations of China’s Involvement

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 16 / 30

3.9 Bombing of North Korea

Pictures of the US Bombing Campaign

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 17 / 30

Pictures of North Korean cities after the bombing

3.10 Death of Stalin

Joseph Stalin's body lying in repose in Moscow, March 1953.

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 18 / 30

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 19 / 30

Soldier posing next to a DMZ sign

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 20 / 30

4.2 Reconstruction of Korea

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 21 / 30

Park Chung-Hee (South Korea’s president from 1962 to 1979)

4.3 “Second Korean War”

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 22 / 30

The crew of the USS Pueblo

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 23 / 30

The Olympic Games of Seoul, 1988

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 24 / 30

History Course – 6th Imersion – By Mr. Fabrice De Backer 25 / 30