why do you think the korean war is sometimes referred to as the forgotten war?
TRANSCRIPT
Often referred to as the "forgotten war" because it came on the heels of World War II and was
overshadowed by the Vietnam War.
• What was the impact of WWII on Korea?
• Why was Korea a hotbed of conflict during the 20th century?
• What were the results of the Korean War?
EQ’s …
What impact did WWII have on
Korea?
What do you think?
Think about the various governments in place in Asia.
After WWII, Korean Peninsula
divided into North and South Korea at the 38th
Parallel
The Republic of South Korea established
1948
US helping South and Soviet Union
helping North
Conflicts and strained relations between the US and the USSR led to the Korean War which
devastated the whole country.
When the Communist troops of North Korea
crossed the 38th Parallel on June 25, 1950 and invaded
South Korea, the US became involved
because of a promise to support South
Korea. It was feared that this tiny peninsula
would be the setting for the eruption of World War Three.
North Korea had the support of
the Soviet Union and the military
support of China.
China and the Soviet Union
wanted to maintain
communism near their borders.
Korea like Vietnam, was part of the Cold War to stop
the advancement of Communism in Southeast
Asia.
In July of 1951, peace talks
began between the UN and the
Communists. The UN hoped for a
quick resolution; however, that was not to be.
The talks dragged on for
two years and 17 days; and all
during that time the war
continued.
The UN and North Korean leaderships
finally signed an agreement on July 27,
1953.
This agreement technically brought the
war to an end, but a state of hostilities continued to exist between North and
South Korea for many years, and even today the situation remains
unresolved.
Because the Korean War only lasted three years (1950 - 1953) it is not thought of as significant, and often not even mentioned.
Korean War Memorial
However, if one compares the statistics of the Korean War (54,246) to those of Vietnam
(58,226) which lasted over sixteen years, by ratio the Korean War was far bloodier than
Vietnam.
Korean War Memorial
Results of Korean War … Nothing gained … many died!
•North and South Korea still divided. •North Korea still communist.•South Korea still a republic.•Still the two are bitter enemies.
However … the US did meet its
objective … they did stop the
advancement of Communism into
South Korea!
The Demilitarized Zone (or DMZ) is a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula. The DMZ serves as a buffer zone between
North and South Korea. Seoul, with a population of approximate 10 million is located within a couple of miles from it.
A ten-foot-high barbed-wire fence runs along the southern side of the DMZ. The sign atop the hill
flashes patriotic slogans in an attempt to demoralize North Korean border guards.
• What was the impact of WWII on Korea?
• Why was Korea a hotbed of conflict during the 20th century?
• What were the results of the Korean War?
So… let’s review…
•38th Parallel – line of latitude where North and South Korea divided•DMZ – demilitarization zone … a buffer between North and South Korea
Words to know …
So what are North Korea and South Korea like
today???North Korea Population: 22,665,345 of
homogenous Korean 51.34 infant deaths per 1,000 Buddhist & Confucianism
practiced. 99% of population literate Communist state one man
dictatorship Command economy with 1,800.00
GDP per capita Labor force: agriculture: 37%,
industry and services: 63% (2004 est.)
Issues: deforestation, lack of drinking water, hazardous waste, pollution.
Climate: temperate with more rain in the summer than the winter.
South Korea Population:48,508,972
homogenous Korean 4.26 infant deaths per 1,000 Primarily Christian & Buddhist 97.9% of the population is
literate Republic with a president Mixed economy with a GDP per
capita of 27,700 Labor force: agriculture: 7.2%,
industry: 25.1%, services: 67.7%
Issues: air & water pollution, acid rain
Climate: temperate with more rain in the summer than winter
North Korea & South Korea