1. Korean Proverbs
“A thief of needles will become a thief of oxen later.”
“The more you beat a drum, the more sound it makes.”
“Too many boatmen send the boat up the mountain.”
“A dragon rises from a ditch.”

2. Why is Korea considered geographically important?
Korea’s location was used as a sort of land bridge between Japan and China, making it important for both countries during conflicts between them.
Additionally, Korea is surrounded by Japan, China and Russia, the three most powerful countries in the region.
This location allowed the country to be included in conflicts amongst these world powers.

3. North Korea and South Korea divided on the 38 Degree Latitude line.
Capital of North Korea
Pyongyang
Capital of South Korea
Seoul

4. Examples of these attempts are…
How did the actions of the United States towards Korea directly and indirectly lead to the outbreak of the Korean War?
Against the will of the Koreans, the Americans continued attempting to threaten Korea’s sovereignty for the benefit of the Americans.
Examples of these attempts are…

5. Timeline
1854
American merchant ship attempting to force trade with the Koreans run aground.
1871
President Grant authorizes a naval fleet to be sent to Korea to convince the Koreans to agree to treaties to protect stranded sailors and to trade with the Americans. The mission became violent and ended in the deaths of hundreds of Koreans and the destruction of a key fortress.
1945
The United States agreed to being responsible for the southern half of Korea following the end of World War II, while the Soviet Union would be responsible for the northern half.
Though attempts were made by the United States to reunite the country, they were unsuccessful and turned the responsibility over the newly formed United Nations.

6. The Korean War
Escalation of border clashes between two rival Korean regimes, each of which was supported by external powers, with each trying to topple the other through political and guerilla tactics.
After failing to strengthen their cause in the free elections held in South Korea during May 1950, and the refusal of South Korea to hold new elections per North Korean demands, the communist North Korean Army moved south on June 25, 1950, to attempt to reunite the Korean peninsula, which had been formally divided since 1948.
The conflict was then expanded by the United States and the Soviet Union’s involvement as part of the larger Cold War.
The main hostilities were during the period from June 25, 1950 until the armistice (ceasefire agreement) was signed on July 27, 1953.

7. How did the actions of Japan towards Korea lead to the outbreak of the Korean War?
The Japanese became interested in the resources of the Korean peninsula.
After successfully battling both China and Russia for control of Korean interests, the Japanese made Korea a protectorate and eventually annexed it in 1910.

8. How did the actions of the Soviet Union towards Korea led to the outbreak of the Korean War?
The Soviet Union considered the division of Korea into northern and southern zones as a permanent arrangement rather than a temporary agreement and refused to agree to a reunification.

9. Can they Reunite?
After 50 years of hostility, the North and South Korean governments have begun talks aimed at bringing a peaceful and final end to their conflict. One of the first steps they have taken is to allow contact between family members who were separated by the conflict.
Why do you think this was the first step in the peace process?
What other steps do you think the two sides could take to resolve their differences?