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Soviet Successful Testing of the Atomic Bomb
In September 1949,US intelligence sources had detected traces of radioactivity in the Nothern Pacific. The Soviet Union had detonated its first atomic bomb. The news caused panic in Washington. The US had not expected the Soviets to develop an atomic capability until the mid-!950 or 1951. The Americans had underestimated the technological expertise of the Russians (image from RDS-1 article on Wikipedia) -
Reappraisal of NSC 68
Following the Atomic Bomb testing,the American atomic policy was over. There was a reassessment of US policy to increase US military strength to pursue its risk-taking policy of building positions of strength outside the Soviet sphere. This influenced US decisions regarding Korea because Truman knew that he couldnt appear soft towards the Soviets due to domestic pressure he was facing from the Republicans. NSC 68 exemplified the consistency of the objectives of US policy. -
Soviet influence in Korean War
Stalin cautiously agreed to Kim's invasion plans but warned Kim that Russia would not intervene directly in the conflict. on 30 Jan 1950. However,Stalin provided support in the form of military supplies and advisers to NK in May & June 1950. While Kim proposed,Stalin disposed and it is because of Soviet support that NK was able to invade SK. -
North Korea's tanks reach the outskirts of Seoul
NK invades SK -
US sponsors a resolution in UNSC
US sponsored a resolution in the UNSC calling for military action against against North Korea. Resolution was passed as Soviet Union was boycotting meetings of the SC in response to the American refusal to accept China as a member in the SC. This shows the American response to the situation. -
China joins in the war
260,000 Chinese troops poured across the Yalu River. US troops were penned in by the Chinese. The communists launched a counter-offensiv,reoccupying Pyongyang and recpaturing Seoul in Jan 1951. Despite the dire circumstances,Truman reverted to the original American war aim of restoring the 38th parallell instead of rollbackm and continued to fight a limited war. The US was confining the conflict to one place to minimise the risk of confrontation with the Soviet Union,showing American restraint. -
Stalemate at 38th parallel
During the next two years,UN forces held their position while probing the enemy lines in a series of actions known as the "active defence". Stalemate on the ground encouraged both sides to seek a negotiated end to hostilities. -
POW issue
Peace talks began in July 1951 but dragged on for 2 years due to the POW issue. The issue concerned the issue of repatriation of POWs. The North Koreans and Chinese rejected the principle that POWs should be returned to their native countries. This is because if the POWs had a choice,it would determine the political system that is preferred. If they chose capitalism over communism,it would be disastrious for the communist powers and would deepen the ideological conflict. -
Death of Stalin
The death of Stalin in March 1953 and the compromise on the POW issue resulted in an armistice in July 1953. The 38th parallel was confirmed as the boundary between North and South Korea. It was also the cease-fire line. 3 years of fighting changed nothing. Although not a global confrontation,the Korean War was on a large scale with many casualties on both sides.
