Ancient Communism Korean War

First Koreans were immigrants from northern Asia First people grew rice and made bronze tools Practiced shamanism- belief that good and evil spirits are in both living and non living things Briefly controlled by the Han Dynasty

Silla, Paekche, Koguryo Adopted many Chinese elemenst 668 the Kingdom of Silla conquers all of Korea Ushered in a time of prosperity and peace Wrote the Tripitaka- Buddhist scripture, largest in the world

1392 AD Capital at Hanyang (Seoul) Developed a form of Confucianism that was extremely strict Simplified the writing to 24 letters (traditional writing was still popular as well) Held off and invasion from the Japanese Admiral Yi-Sun-Shin used iron clad ships known as “turtle ships”

1910 Japan takes control of Korea until after WWII After WWII Korea was “briefly” occupied by the US and Soviet Union Korea was split along the 38 th paralell North and South Korea both have governments claiming to be in control of the peninsula The Soviets and American forces withdraw from Korea in 1948 and 1949

1950 North Korea invades the South to unit them under communist rule The UN voted to help stop the invasion (90% of soldiers were American) US is afraid of the Domino Theory- if one country becomes communist then others around it will follow North Korea had almost taken over

US General Douglas McArthur launches a surprise attack on the North Koreans Pushed the North Koreans back to the Yalu River at the Chinese border McArthur crosses into China and destroys supply depots The Chinese become involved and UN forces have to retreat Finally a stalemate is reached at the 38 th paralell

Kim Il Sung became the Communist leader in Korea Stressed heavy industry, nuclear power, and military strength 20% of the budget was devoted to the military which slowed standard of living improvements

Leader of Korea after his father Kim-il Sung Died in 2011 Cult of personality developed around him Had the constitution amended so he was referd to as Supreme Leader He was hailed as a demigod in North Korea while South Korea portrayed him as a vain playboy with a penchant for bouffant hair, jumpsuits and platform shoes designed to make him look taller. His private train journeys were as luxurious as befitted a leader of North Korea, despite the millions left behind starving due to famine: one Russian emissary who travelled across Russia by train with Kim described how live lobsters were airlifted daily to his train. He reportedly spread the myth across North Korea that he could control the weather with his moods, as if by magic.

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Enjoyed tremendous success To grow the economy exports were strongly encouraged Government still had very repressive policies 1980s student protests led to more freedoms and a new constitution