Causes of the Korean War - Coursework Example

Causes of the Korean War Introduction War can be defined as an organized conflict between states.1 War is one of the destructive events in human existence and is therefore undesirable. The Korean War (1950-1953) is perhaps the most notable war after the World War II.2 Started by cold war, political differences and a determination by the communist North Korea to reunify the country through fighting, it soon escalated into a major international crisis that would forever divide the country into two almost equal parts along the 38thParallel.The causes of the war were varied and ranged from ideological to political. This paper will discuss the Causes of the Korean War from different perspectives. For a careful analysis, this paper looks at the causes of the war from theUnited States perspective, Soviet Union perspective, China perspective, North Korean perspective and the South Korean perspective. Even though the fighting in Korea was concluded by 1953, the cold war between the north and the south continues. The war served the purpose of shaping the global politics as well as the global economy after WWII. Historical Background: Division of Korea. The Cairo conference was held in Cairo, Egypt from 22nd -26th November 1943 by representatives of the US, UK and the USSR to plan against Japan and plan about the future of Asia.The Tehran Conference was held in Tehran, Iran between the allied states of The US, UK and the USSR. The intentions of the meeting were to strategize on the war. It was held from 28th November to 1st December 1943. The Yalta Conference was held from 4th – 11th February 1945. It brought together the heads of states of the United States, United Kingdom and the Soviet Union.These countries were represented by Franklin D Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. The conference was held in Crimea and was intended to discuss the ways in which the European States could re-establish themselves after the WWII. In 1945, following the defeat of the Empire of Japan in the World War II, the Japanese rule on Korea came to an effective halt.3 Japan had declared Korea its colony in 1905 following the conclusion of the Russo-Japanese War. For at least three and a half decades, Japan had occupied the Korean peninsula and was overthrown in the allied victory in WWII. The new Super Powers, the Soviet Union and the United States, upon consulting one another, agreed to temporary occupy Korea to help the country develop its own government as the Korea would become free and independent in due course. Elections were scheduled but differences emerged between the Soviet Union and the United nations on the most suitable form of governance to be adopted. On the one hand, as the Soviet Union occupied the North, they imposed communist ideologies on the North and helped in establishing a permanent communist state.4 They backed their own choice of leader and claimed sovereignty over both the north and the south. On the other hand, in response to the actions by the Soviet Union, United States inspired a pro-western governance system in the South. They too backed a different leader and claimed sovereignty over the entire Korean Peninsula. CAUSES OF THE WAR: UNITED STATES PERSPECTIVE According to historians, the United States participated in the Korean War with three major objectives: to take over the Korean peninsula for economic reasons, to prevent communism from getting permanent establishment in Korea and Asia and finally to prove their status as a super power and to compete effectively for dominion over global affairs.5 This section considers these different motivations for involvement in the Korean War in detail. Economic Reasons The United States believed in the economic potential of the Korean region. Many opportunities remained unexploited and the Japanese had invested a lot in infrastructure. The United States believed that having been part and parcel of the formation of the nation of South Korea, they had a duty to safeguard the sovereignty and economy of the newly formed state.6The invasion of the South by the communist North at the wake of 1950 threatened the interests of the United States in the Korean Peninsula and was regarded as an insult to the United States and the United Nations. After the Second World War, there was relative peace and stability in the United States. People were optimistic and ready to work and rebuild their Nation. When it was announced that the North had invaded the South, the people of the United States suddenly became confused and feared the war could escalate and worsen. The United States feared Russia was going to attack. This fear was real and well informed as the United States was and still isa close friend and ally of South Korea.7Without engaging in the war, the United States would have put itself in a risky situation. Additionally, without going into war, the Soviet Union would have interpreted such a move as an act of cowardice and would not have hesitated to take the war to the US soil.8 This would have been costly economically for the United States. Communist Reasons: To LimitSpread of Communism Assuming there were no economic aspects to the war, the United States would have still entered the war to prevent the spread of communist ideologies. The Soviet Union was a strong supporterofcommunism. The United States and the newly formed United Nations recommended a pro western form of governance, of which the Soviet Union was thoroughly objected to.9Pro communist states recommend the use of properly designed political, social and economic ideologies for successful establishment of this social order. The United States regarded as its enemy, any state that embraced communism.10 Although the United States could do little to influence world economic and political structures, they were determined to at least stop the spread of communism in Asia. As the United States had been considered to have lost the Chinese to communism, they were not prepared to lose any more countries to communist ideologies and influences.11 The Chinese and the Soviets were busy converting the neighboring Asian countries into communist States, the latest being Taiwan and North Korea. The Statement of President Harry S Truman on the 27th June 1950 emphasized the intentions of the United States to prevent the spread of communism across Asia. Truman argued that the aggressive nature of communist states to win over more was of great concern to the United States and the political stability of both the States and the globe. The Truman Administration believed there was need to stop both the Chinese and the Soviets from carrying out their plans to spread communism.12General Douglas McArthurwas a significant figure during the war. He hailed from a military family and had been chosen as the commander of the United States army in the Korean War. After the war, McArthur returned home as a hero due to his courageous deeds while President S. Truman fell out of favor with the people of the United States as he was accused of cowardice. Dominion Reasons/Global Politics The conclusion of the WWII saw the Soviet Union and the United States being crowned the new world Superpowers.13 Each country always wanted to prove itself superior to the other. Following the defeat of the Empire of Japan during the WWII, the two countries agreed to occupy the Korean peninsula on a temporary basis.14 The Korean peninsula was divided into half and the Soviets occupied the North while the United States occupied the south. On June 24th 1950, the North invaded the South with the intensions of unifying the country and placing it under communist governance.15 The United States, having left the South, returned to its aid during the war. The United States was eager to prove to the world that it had earned its status and title as world super power because of mighty military and superior weapons. They intended to use this military expertise and superior weaponry against all its enemies, including former allies.16Having obtained military powers as well as the reputation as being tough, the United States figured that they could influence global economic policies. This would ensure that they benefitted from major economic policies. The United States never gave the Soviet Union a chance to establish its communist ideologies on other Asian states. Although the Soviets played an important role in the War, it was the Chinese who were considered a threat to global stability, as they advocated strongly for communism.17 In the United States, President S Truman was accused of not having given the Chinese people sufficient help and, that is the reason why the Chinese found new comfort and life in the company of the Soviets. CAUSES OF THE WAR: SOVIET UNION PERSPECTIVE The Soviet Union played a covert role in the Korean War. The major reasons for the Soviet involvement in the War were for economic reasons, to help spread communism and to finally unify the north and the south. All these approaches were intended to gain dominance over the world and its political and economic affairs. Economic Reasons The thought of expanding into new territories was viewed as a potential economic enhancer.18 Although the nation of Korea was promised independence and freedom, it is unlikely that they would receive it in full measure.19 The Soviet Union had identified the Korean peninsula as an appropriate area for enhancing military training, investments and its vast supply of natural resources could be exploited for economic reasons. The Soviet was afraid of losing any part of the country as it would be even more appropriate and advantageous to seize and control the entire nation. When it became apparent that the south had moved on, electing a democratic government, the north was unhappy. Desperate to unify the country for economic gains, an assault on the South was deemed inevitable.20 To the Soviets, the most annoying fact was that the South had chosen a democratic system of governance under the supportof the United States and the United Nations. This effectively meant they had lost control over the South and could do very little to influence its economy or politics for its own gains. The thought of losing a potential business partner and political friend inspired the north to go to war. Additionally, the Soviets were afraid that if the United States gained control over any Asian country, it could expand its democratic ideologies and influence the Asian economy and politics.21 As the United States had been accused manipulativetendencies, they deserved immediate and effective containment. This could be done by starting somewhere. Objecting the formation of the South Korean Nation by war and invasion was a suitable place to commence the containment of the United States. To Spread Communism Desiring a lion’s share of the global resources, the Soviet Union determined the only way to be influential in decision making was to spread the ideas of communism. They believed it would be easier to start with the Asian countries. For this reason, the Soviets occupied the North and had plans to spread their communist ideas throughout the Korean peninsula and beyond. When the Soviets realized that the South was moving in the direction of democracy and pro Western governance, orchestrated by the United States and the United Nations, the Soviets determined that there was need to influence change in the South. As all peaceful means for unifying the country had failed, an organized military attack would help influence the south to cooperate. For this reason, the North Koreans, backed by the Soviets and the Chinese in 1950, launched an attack on the South. This effectively announced the beginning of one of the bloodiest wars in history. The attack was supposed to send a warning to the United States and other western countries concerning their intended influence in Asia. As far as the Soviets were concerned, the affairs of the Asian countries were supposed to be left to the hands of the Asians themselves.22 External influence, especially western influence, was unwelcomed and undesirable. The attack on the south, for the first few weeks, almost resulted in victory. The North Koreans had advanced fast and covered a large area in the South. It only took the interventions of the United States army which was backed by the newly formed United Nations, to push back the North Korean soldiers beyond the demilitarized zone. Unifying the Country The Korean peninsula had been a unified country for more than a thousand years. Until 1945, the peninsula was under the Japanese Empire from 1905. When the Soviets occupied the north parts of the country and the Americans the southern part, the intentions were not to divide the country. During the few years that the Soviets and the Americans occupied the peninsula, from 1945 to 1948, there was no agreed upon decision on the best governance. It was decided that the matter be left for the Koreans themselves to decide which route they wanted to take. Fearing that the Americans will influence the Koreans to support a democratic government, the soviets objected the decision to vote. Nonetheless, the voting was organized and planned and went on as was scheduled in the South. No voting took place in the north. The South elected their new leader and the Americans handed over power and officially, the republic of South Korea was created.23 The attack on the South in 1950 was meant to destabilize the newly formed government. They were happy with their new leader. The Americans and the United Nations were happy too. They had helped establish a government that was and was expected to continue being friendly to them. CAUSES OF THE WAR: CHINESE PERSPECTIVE The Chinese People Volunteer (CPV) in 1950 secretly moved across the river Yalu into the Mountainous region of North Korea, where they fought and defeated the United Nations Command led by the United States. By December of the same year, the UN command had almost been overwhelmed and was drove out of the North Korean region. Some were evacuated at sea while others by land. Indeed, the Chinese were considered as the chief enemy of the United Nations Command led by the United States. Most historians maintain that had the Chinese not stopped in 1951, they would have pushed the UN command away forcing them to accept defeat and would have perhaps unified the Korean peninsula. Like the Soviets, the purpose of the Chinese offensive was to reunify the nation of Korea, spread communism and obtain global dominion. To Unify the Nation The Chinese were determined to unify the nation of South Korea. This was necessary in order to increase the economic relations between China and Korea. The fact that South Korea was establishing a pro western government made things even worse. The Chinese considered themselves enemies of the west and everything western. The Chinese had not entered into major business and economic co operations with the west. A divided Korea would mean less business opportunities for China. A unified nation would provide bigger business opportunities for the Chinese. It is this desire to have a united nation that inspired the Chinese to launch an attack on the South Koreans. The fact that the Chinese assault on the South was hugely successful in the first few months demonstrates the aggression and the determination with which the Chinese entered the war. To spread Communism At the time of the war, communism was the most popular ideology in many Asian governments. Communist states subscribed to the same ideologies and forms of governance and were viewed as most appropriate for business and economic interactions. The main intentions for advocating for a communist state were to counter the pro western ideologies such as calls for the acceptanceof democratic governance and to increase regional cooperation. The US’s continued influence on some Asian countries was seen as a threat to the sovereignty of the Asian people, Asian economy as well as Asian politics.24 The Chinese believed in the use of force where peaceful negotiations have failed. As the Chinese were amongst the top victors in the WWII, they had superior weaponry and an almost unlimitedman power. During the time of the Korean War, Chinese leaders were tough and unafraid of war. They believed that with superior weaponry, a disciplined and motivated army and sufficient resources, they wereunbeatable.25 They were capable of winningas many nations as they desired, effectively expanding their territories for the purpose of increasing their own political powers, economic benefits and status and respect. World Dominion The Chinese had incredible armies and superior weaponry. During the Second World War, they made several allied armies that led to numerous victories in the war. After the conclusion of the Second World War, China was amongst four other nations that were crowned victorious and declared the permanent members of the UN Security Council. The Chinese felt their might was not fully recognized and appreciated; although they too had emerged victorious during the Second World War. The Chinese arrangedand structured the first ever attack on the south by the north. They were aided by the Soviets and the North Koreans. The Chinese had emerged from a series of war, victorious and intended to continue with their attacks into even more and more countries. They wanted desperately to gain dominion over the world. The Chinese aggression ended with the Korean War coming to a conclusion. The Chinese gave up their ambition of obtaining global dominion and decided to settle at home, keen to rebuild themselves and improve their economy. CAUSES OF THE WAR: NORTH KOREAN PERSPECTIVE To unify Korea A major problem that led to Koran war is the fact that, since time immemorial, the country had been trying to keep off foreign forces, which led to its split into North and South. The division, as well, left two separate governments after 1948, and both South and North wished to unify under an independent Government. While South Korea pursued a democratic ideology, North Korea attempted to achieve unification through communist ideology; these differences forced the two factions to result to war.26 To destabilize newly formed South Korean government Following the formation of two separate governments by 1948, the North Koran side claimed that they its government was the legitimate one and it could not accept the border as permanent. Consequently, the conflict soared when China and the Soviet Union joined hands with North Korean and invaded South Korea in 1950. To spread communism On June 1950, President Truman discussed with the United Stated. of the possibility of invading South Korea, with the aim of propagating the American goal of spreading communism, which the South opposed. Apparently, it had come to a realization that communism could not be forced into the republic of Korea without resistance, but it was difficult to oppose the imposition of the ideology by powerful neighbors, such as the United States. Therefore, President Truman led North Korea, in support on the United States, and invaded South Korea to spread communism. CAUSES OF THE WAR: SOUTH KOREAN PERSPECTIVE To protect their sovereignty as a new nation The new Government of South Korea was promulgated on July, 1948; henceforth, the Nation wanted to pursue a goal of becoming a sovereign nation, and any external intrusion would be met with contempt. The Republic of South Korea, therefore, was created on 15 August 1948, headed by Syngman Rhee as President. Consequently, President Rhee strongly opposed imposition of communism by the external forces, but what resulted was a confrontation and guerrilla tactics against the regime imposed by the U.S., which escalated into a serious war. 27 Causes of Korea war - To promote pro-western form of governance One key reason the US joined Korea war was to undermine communism, and in its place impose its own form of government. Consequently, South Korea, which was similarly opposed to communism, backed the US in its mission to promote western form of governance. 28 South Korea wanted To avoid possible colonization by the North or the Soviet Union Following unrestrained competition over the domination of Korea, especially between the US and the Soviet Union, South Korea developed fear that, if the Soviet Union was left to consolidate power in the North; it could lead to possible colonization in the future. These fears forced the South to back the US in invading North Korea.29 Conclusion The Korean War was one of the most significant fighting in the 1950s. Although it was fueled by different reasons from different perspectives, the effects were largely devastating and undesirable. The war was caused by different reasons depending on the perspective from which one analyses the war. However, the main reasons for the war were communism, pro-western governance, economic reasons, and to unify the nation of Korea. The north fought for the reasons that the South fought against and this meant the two regions had beliefs in different doctrines and the way to resolve the war was by giving each country freedom, divided by the 38th Parallel, a boundary that was set by the Americans and Russians even before the war began. 30 Bibliography Barnes, Robert. The US, the UN and the Korean war: communism in the Far East and the American struggle for hegemony in the Cold War. London: I. B. 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