THE KOREAS: YESTERDAY AND TODAY

The Korean War A Quick History

THE COLD WAR After World War II, the world was divided into two main superpowers, the democratic United States, and the communist Soviet Union. The struggle between the two was called the Cold War. After WII, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel into North and South Korea North = Communist w/ command economy South = Free Nation w/ free market

The Cold War The stated objective of the U.S.A., known as the Truman Doctrine, was simple: stop the spread of communism wherever it begins. The Soviet Union had a similar goal: help the spread of communism wherever it begins

THE COLD WAR Although the US and the USSR never actually met on the battlefield, they supported their allies in a number of Proxy Wars. (Wars fought to assist others.) The two most famous Proxy Wars took place in Korea and Vietnam.

North Korea Invades On June 25, 1950, 90,000 communist troops poured over the 38th parallel into South Korea. Within three days, the communists captured Seoul, South Korea’s capital city.

NORTH KOREA INVADES One day after the invasion, U.S. President Truman called for U.S. military forces to aid S. Korea in stopping the communists.

AMERICA RESPONDS Although the U.S. supplied the bulk of the foreign troops, England, Australia, and 14 other nations participated. US forces were under the charge of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. The Soviets did not send troops into Korea but financially supported the invading communists.

America Responds MacArthur, a staunch anti-communist, was not only interested in pushing the North Koreans back, but also punishing them for their invasion. By September 29, The U.S. forces reached the 38th parallel, reestablishing the Korean boundary.

Mao and Stalin Supported North Korea’s Invasion of South Korea By early October, MacArthur had entered North Korea with the intention of overthrowing the communist government. Meanwhile, communist China under Mao Tse-Tung (ZeDong) vowed to stop MacArthur. Picture = Mao and Stalin (There’s a story!)

ENTER CHINA Over the next several months, a million communist Chinese soldiers entered Korea. MacArthur vowed to regroup, recapture North Korea and overthrow Mao.

ENTER CHINA The Chinese promised to “push MacArthur to the sea.” MacArthur asked Washington D.C. if he can use atomic weapons against China. Washington refuses.

ENTER CHINA By January, 1951, The Chinese had taken the South Korean capital of Seoul. Things did not look good. Eventually, the U.S. sent in enough troops to stop the Chinese, and push them across the 38th parallel.

AMERICA REBOUNDS MacArthur complained about not getting to invade China and drop atomic bombs. President Truman fired him. MacArthur is remembered as an American hero.

STALEMATE The Korean War eventually dragged into a stalemate, a battle in which neither North Korea/China nor the U.S. made any significant gains. On July 27, 1953, a ceasefire was signed, thus ending the war. Contrary to North Korea’s plans, South Korea remained a free nation.

STALEMATE The war cost the U.S. 54,000 lives and over 100,000 casualties. Over 2 million Koreans died.

The Koreas Today

Camp Bonifas at the 38th Parallel

President Obama at the DMZ

PYONYANG, NORTH KOREA

North Korea spends a great deal of money on the development of their military, nuclear, chemical and biological weaponry, yet depends on foreign aid to feed its people.

Over 30% of N. Korea’s GDP Comes from Farming Over 30% of N. Korea’s GDP Comes from Farming. Pay attention to the technology.

SEOUL, KOREA

South Korea’s Hyundai Shipping Yard: South Korea 5th in Automotive World Production and 6th in Automotive Exports

South and North Korea – Data Comparison (Standard Living) http://geography.about.com/library/cia/blcsouthkorea.htm SOUTH KOREA Life Expt Literacy Rate GDP Purchase GDP Break-down GDP Per Capita   Male: 73 yrs. Female: 81 yrs. Male: 99% Female 97% (2004) $925.1 billion Farming 3.2% Industry 40.4% Service 56.3% $19,200 NORTH KOREA Life Expt Literacy Rate GDP Purchase GDP Break-down GDP Per Capita Male: 69 yrs.   Female: 74 yrs. (2005) Male 99% Female 99%  $40 million  (2004) Farming 30.2% Industry 33.8% Service 36.0%  $1,700