Korean War 1950-1953 - to the 38th - COLD WAR DOCUMENTARY

Summary

In 2020, the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, often called the Forgotten War, highlighted a pivotal yet overlooked conflict of the Cold War era. The war began in 1950 when North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea, aiming to unify the peninsula. The United States, leading a UN coalition, intervened to support South Korea, marking the first significant military action of the Cold War. The conflict saw massive casualties, including one in ten Koreans, and ended in a stalemate, leaving the peninsula divided and setting the stage for ongoing tensions.

Takeaways

• 📆 The 70th anniversary of the Korean War, a pivotal conflict in the Cold War era, was in June 2020.
• 🌐 The Korean War is often referred to as the 'Forgotten War' due to its low profile during and after the conflict.
• 💥 The war resulted in approximately 3 million deaths, a significant toll that underscores its severity.
• 🇰🇵 The division of Korea into North and South began after World War II, with the 38th parallel serving as the dividing line.
• 🔄 The Korean Peninsula was under Chinese influence until the Sino-Japanese War of 1894, after which it became a Japanese protectorate and later was annexed by Japan.
• 🔫 The resistance against Japanese occupation led to the formation of two key factions: a nationalist government in exile and a communist resistance movement.
• 🌟 Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of North Korea's Kim Jong-un, was a key figure in the communist resistance against Japanese rule.
• 🌎 The United States and the Soviet Union played significant roles in shaping the post-World War II political landscape of Korea, leading to the establishment of separate governments in the North and South.
• 🔄 The Korean War began in 1950 when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel, leading to a rapid advance into South Korean territory.
• ✈️ UN forces, led by General Douglas MacArthur, executed a successful counteroffensive, including the strategic landings at Inchon, which helped to turn the tide of the war.

Q & A

What is the significance of the year 2020 in relation to the Korean War?

The year 2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, which was a pivotal conflict that transitioned the world from the World War 2 era into the Cold War.

Why is the Korean War sometimes referred to as the 'Forgotten War'?

The Korean War is often called the 'Forgotten War' because it was fought with a low profile, possibly intentionally, to avoid a repeat of the widespread public opposition that occurred during the Vietnam War.

How did the division of Korea into two separate entities come about?

Korea was divided into two entities after World War II, with the United States and the Soviet Union agreeing to split the Korean Peninsula along the 38th parallel into occupation zones. This division was initially intended to be temporary, but it became permanent due to the ideological differences between the two superpowers.

What role did Japan play in the early history of the Korean Peninsula?

Japan played a significant role by annexing the Korean Peninsula in 1910, turning it into a part of the Japanese Empire. This led to the formation of resistance movements, including nationalist and communist factions, which would later influence the Korean War.

Who were the key military leaders from the nationalist and communist factions in Korea during the resistance against Japanese occupation?

The key military leaders were Yi Pom-Sok, the nationalist leader, and Kim Il-sung, the communist leader, who both led armies recruited and trained in different factions of China, primarily composed of Korean refugees.

What was the impact of World War II on the Korean Peninsula?

World War II led to Japan, as part of the Axis powers, being at war with Western powers and eventually the Soviet Union. Post-war, the Soviet Union moved troops into the upper part of the Korean Peninsula, and the US and USSR agreed to split Korea into occupation zones, which set the stage for the division of Korea.

Why did the United States decide to intervene in the Korean War?

The United States intervened in the Korean War to prevent the spread of communism, protect its interests in the region, particularly Japan, and uphold the international order established after the Second World War. The decision was also influenced by the absence of Soviet troops in the conflict.

What was the role of the United Nations in the Korean War?

The United Nations played a significant role by condemning the North Korean invasion and assembling a resolution that called on member states to provide aid to South Korea. The UN also provided ground forces and air support to South Korea, which was crucial in reversing the momentum of the war.

What was the significance of the Inchon landing in the Korean War?

The Inchon landing was a surprise amphibious assault by UN forces that significantly improved their position in the war. It helped break the Pusan Perimeter and allowed the UN and South Korean forces to push back the North Korean troops, cutting off their supply lines and recapturing Seoul.

What were the consequences of the North Korean invasion for the South Korean government and its people?

The North Korean invasion led to the rapid collapse of the South Korean Army and the fall of Seoul. It also resulted in massacres of intellectuals and people who worked for the South Korean government by the invading North Koreans, causing significant loss of life and chaos.

Outlines

00:00

📅 Introduction to the Korean War's 70th Anniversary

The script opens with a reflection on the significance of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, a pivotal conflict that transitioned the world from the era of World War 2 into the Cold War. It highlights the war's low profile, despite its high death toll, and its impact on shaping the current geopolitical landscape. The narrative then delves into the historical context, starting from the late 19th century, detailing Korea's shift from Chinese influence to Japanese colonization, and the emergence of nationalist and communist factions that would later play crucial roles in the war.

05:00

🌐 The Geopolitical Landscape Leading to the Korean War

This section discusses the geopolitical dynamics leading to the Korean War, including the division of Korea after World War 2, the establishment of separate governments in the North and South, and the influence of external powers like the United States and the Soviet Union. It also covers the initial stages of the conflict, such as the border skirmishes, the North Korean invasion, and the rapid fall of Seoul. The United Nations' response, the USSR's boycott of the UN Security Council, and the subsequent UN resolution to aid South Korea are also highlighted.

10:03

🔥 Escalation and International Response to the Korean War

The final paragraph details the escalation of the Korean War, with the North Korean forces pushing south and the South Korean government's desperate measures to slow their advance. It describes the international response, including the United States' decision to intervene under President Harry Truman, the UN's condemnation of the invasion, and the formation of a multinational force to support South Korea. The narrative also covers the strategic military actions, such as the Inchon landings and the recapture of Seoul, which began to turn the tide of the war. The paragraph concludes with a teaser for the continuation of the story in the next episode.

Keywords

💡Korean War

The Korean War refers to the conflict that took place between 1950 and 1953, primarily on the Korean Peninsula, involving North and South Korea, as well as other nations including the United States and China. The war was a significant event during the early Cold War era, as it was one of the first major military conflicts that pitted Western powers against communist states. In the script, the Korean War is central to the narrative, illustrating the geopolitical tensions of the time and the beginning of the division between North and South Korea that persists today.

💡Cold War

The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and its allies, and the Soviet Union and its allies, from the end of World War II until the early 1990s. It was characterized by a lack of direct large-scale fighting between the two superpowers but involved significant proxy wars, espionage, and propaganda. The script mentions the Cold War as the broader context in which the Korean War took place, marking it as the first major conflict of this era and setting the stage for the ongoing tensions between communist and capitalist nations.

💡38th Parallel

The 38th Parallel is the circle of latitude at 38 degrees north of the Equator, which served as the original dividing line between North and South Korea after World War II. It was agreed upon by the United States and the Soviet Union as a temporary measure but became the de facto border after the Korean War. In the script, the 38th Parallel is a key geographical reference, symbolizing the division of the Korean Peninsula and the start of the conflict when North Korean forces crossed this line in 1950.

💡Syngman Rhee

Syngman Rhee was a South Korean statesman who served as the first President of South Korea from 1948 to 1960. He was a key figure in the establishment of the Republic of Korea and played a significant role during the Korean War. The script mentions Rhee in the context of the South Korean government's response to the North's invasion and his leadership during the early stages of the war.

💡Kim Il-sung

Kim Il-sung was the founder of North Korea and its first leader, serving as the Premier from 1948 and as the President from 1972 until his death in 1994. He was a central figure in the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and was the driving force behind the invasion of South Korea, which initiated the Korean War. The script describes Kim Il-sung's role in seeking support from the Soviet Union and China for his military ambitions and his decision to invade the South.

💡Sino-Japanese War

The Sino-Japanese War refers to a conflict between the Qing Dynasty of China and the Empire of Japan in 1894-1895. The war resulted in a Japanese victory and had significant consequences for the region, including the weakening of Chinese influence over Korea. In the script, the Sino-Japanese War is mentioned as a historical event that led to changes in the political landscape of the Korean Peninsula, setting the stage for later conflicts.

💡Axis Powers

The Axis Powers were the nations that fought against the Allies during World War II, led by Germany, Italy, and Japan. The script refers to Japan as a vital member of the Axis Powers, highlighting its role in the war and its subsequent defeat, which had a profound impact on the political reconfiguration of East Asia, including the fate of Korea.

💡General Douglas MacArthur

General Douglas MacArthur was an American five-star general and Field Marshal of the Philippine Army. He played a significant role in the Pacific theater of World War II and was instrumental in the Korean War, particularly with the strategic Inchon landing. The script mentions MacArthur as the leader of UN and South Korean forces during a critical phase of the war, emphasizing his military genius and the turning point his strategies provided.

💡Inchon Landing

The Inchon Landing refers to a significant amphibious invasion during the Korean War, led by General MacArthur, which took place on September 15, 1950. It was a decisive military operation that helped to turn the tide of the war in favor of the UN forces. The script describes the Inchon Landing as a pivotal moment in the conflict, demonstrating the strategic importance of surprise and well-executed military maneuvers.

💡Pusan Perimeter

The Pusan Perimeter was a defensive line in South Korea near the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, established by UN and South Korean forces to repel the North Korean invasion. It was a critical point in the war, as the defenders were pushed back to this area before the successful counteroffensive. The script mentions the Pusan Perimeter to illustrate the dire situation faced by the UN and South Korean forces before the tide of the war shifted in their favor.

Highlights

The 70th anniversary of the Korean War, a pivotal conflict of the Cold War era, is discussed.

The Korean War is often overlooked despite its significant impact and high casualty rate.

The war's low profile was intentional to avoid public outcry similar to the Vietnam War.

The Korean War resulted in 3 million deaths, with one in ten Koreans killed.

The division of Korea into North and South is rooted in the Cold War tensions.

The history of Korea's division begins in the late 19th century with Japanese influence.

The Korean resistance to Japanese occupation laid the groundwork for the Korean War.

Post-World War II, the US and USSR agreed to split Korea at the 38th parallel.

The US occupation of South Korea and the establishment of Syngman Rhee's government are detailed.

The Soviet influence in North Korea and the formation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are discussed.

The Chinese Civil War's end and its impact on North Korea's military capabilities are highlighted.

North Korea's preparation for invasion with the support of China and the Soviet Union is covered.

The surprise North Korean invasion on June 25, 1950, and the rapid fall of Seoul are described.

The United Nations' response to the invasion and the formation of a multinational force are explained.

General Douglas MacArthur's strategy and the successful Inchon landing are discussed.

The UN forces' decision to cross the 38th parallel and the continuation of the war are mentioned.

Transcripts

We are just about to get to the year 2020, and we all love big fancy milestones.

In June of 2020, we're coming to the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of one of the

key conflicts which would take us out of the World War 2 era, and firmly into the Cold

War.

I mean of course, the Korean War.

An especially poignant war for our times with its seemingly endless war on terror, now incidentally

being fought by soldiers who were born after it started.

But, much like the Korean War during its time, often we don't think about it much and this

is probably on purpose.

Let me explain.

The US war in Vietnam, depressed, divided, and threatened the very fabric of American

civilization.

After that, the war on terror needed a low profile, so as not to make the people rally

for its end as the student movement did in the 1960s and 1970s against Vietnam.

The Korean War had a similar dynamic.

Think of the world in 1950.

The whole globe had just suffered one of the most catastrophic events in human history.

We had not recovered, and many had VERY fresh memories of lost family members, rationing,

and the costs of mobilization.

So, the Korean War was fought with a low profile so low it has been nicknamed the Forgotten

War.

This low profile doesn't take away though that 3 million people died in the conflict.

It doesn't subtract from the fact that one in TEN Koreans would be dead, more death than

either the Chinese Civil War or the Vietnam War.

So, in the first major conflict of the Cold War, we're going to tell the story about what

happened on the Korean peninsula between 1950 and 1953.

The reason why we have two Koreas which always seem at the brink of conflict to this day.

I’m your host David and this is...The Cold War.

Our story begins not during the Second World War this time but rather in the late 19th

century.

The Korean peninsula was more or less under Chinese influence, that is until the Sino-Japanese

War in 1894.

The Japanese victory made Korea an independent empire.

They enjoyed about ten years of freedom before Japan's expansionist aims made them a Japanese

protectorate in the wake of a different war with the Russians.

By 1910, the Peninsula had been annexed into a burgeoning Japanese Empire.

The Koreans didn't take this lying down, however, and the factions which would eventually become

the belligerents of the Korean War took shape in resistance to Japanese occupation.

The first was a government in exile, founded by Korean nationalists and living within the

Republic of China.

The second faction was a Communist resistance movement.

They were scattered guerillas resisting the Japanese authority.

Both camps had armies recruited and trained in the different factions of China, made up

primarily of Korean refugees who had fled Japanese annexation.

The military nationalist leader was Yi Pom-Sok, and the Communist military leader was Kim

Il-sung.

Yes, Rocketman’s grandfather.

Then World War 2 happened.

Japan found itself as a vital member of the Axis powers, and at war with Western powers

and by wars end, with the Soviet Union as well.

Some of these countries vowed to free Korea after the war.

In the dying days of that war, the Soviets moved troops into the upper part of the Korean

Peninsula.

After Japan's surrender, the United States and the USSR agreed to split Korea into occupation

zones, similar to what occurred in Germany around the same time.

The agreement split the peninsula at the 38th parallel.

The initial deal was that this would last for about five years while the US and USSR

worked out an independence plan.

Clearly THAT worked out well!

So, the US began to occupy the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, and the post-war

era began.

To keep order, they attempted to put the Japanese colonial administrators into power.

For obvious reasons, the Koreans began to protest, and the US had to back down on that

plan.

Despite that, many of the leaders in the Republic of Korea, what is often simply called South

Korea, had been collaborators with the Japanese authority during the occupation.

This decision by the US was of course in opposition to a provisional government called the People's

Republic of Korea already set up in the wake of the Japanese surrender.

The Americans thought it was communist and outlawed the party in the south, along with

the right to strike.

While in the north, the Soviets coopted this government and it became the seeds of what

would be the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

It was one possible path to reunification, but well here we are.

Elections were run in 1948 with help from the United Nations.

Communist Koreans and the Soviet authorities as well as many South Korean politicians had

issues with the fairness of the election and opted to boycott it.

Without elections in the north, the south elected Syngman Rhee to the presidency of

Korea.

North Korea then held an election a few months later.

And with this disagreement, Korea was now two Koreas, and the division established here

continues to this very moment.

Or at least the moment we filmed this.

One year later, the Chinese Civil War ended with a Communist victory.

During that war, North Koreans had given the Chinese Communists support, and they've been

allies ever since.

As a way to say thank you, many North Korean volunteers in that war were able to take their

supplies back home with them.

The North Koreans now had a force of veterans, combat experienced and well-supplied, ready

for a new fight to unify their homeland.

The Chinese also promised that if war broke out, they'd have North Korea's back.

Remember that point for later.

The US saw the massive new Communist nation of China as a considerable loss to its own

global strategic aims and also as a threat to the hope of turning former European colonies

in Southeast Asia into capitalist, and-only-kind-of-sort-of colonies of US corporations.

China, remembering the legacy of the Century of Humiliation, and the effect of European

dominance over the old Chinese Empire, vowed to oppose the west and promote communist revolutions

on any country which borders it.

So with that shot in the arm, North Korea did just that.

Since the election, communist insurgencies had broken out all around South Korea.

Fighting broke out at the Korean border, and once they had Chinese support the next year,

both fronts went into overdrive.

North Korean Guerillas and Commandos fought a campaign against the South Koreans.

The Border skirmishes turned into full-on battles.

The South Korean government launched a forceful response, which subdued the conflict… for

now, but the writing was on the wall.

The North Korean leader was Kim Il-sung.

Remember him?

He thought he had dealt a significant blow to the South Korean military.

Kim began to prepare for a major invasion to finish this once and for all.

He approached both Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin and the Chairman of China's new Communist

government Mao Zedong for support in this project.

And, he got it.

The Chinese sent soldiers close to the North Korean border, and the Soviets sent their

best generals to the northern capital of Pyongyang to plan.

In June of 1950, Kim called for a peninsula-wide election, which Rhee rejected.

Neither the US military or the CIA in South Korea anticipated an attack.

On June 25th, 1950, the North Korean army pushed past the border on the 38th parallel.

Rhee left the South Korean capital of Seoul, as it is quite close to the border.

The North Koreans outgunned their enemy and continued to push south.

To stop them, the South Koreans tried to find any way to make it challenging for the North

Koreans to keep moving.

One effort included blowing up a bridge with thousands of refugees crossing it to keep

them from crossing the Han river.

Despite these efforts, two days after the invasion, Seoul fell.

The day after that, President Rhee ordered a massacre of anyone he suspected aiding the

North Koreans.

The South Korean Army collapsed in a matter of days.

The US President Harry Truman decided to intervene when he got confirmation that the USSR was

not sending troops into the fight.

The Americans had a massive asset in the region in Japan and they needed to protect it from

communist influence coming across the sea.

The action was also intense over at the United Nations.

This conflict would be their first big test of the international order established after

the Second World War.

The security council condemned the invasion.

Protesting the UN's recognition of Taiwan and not the People's Republic of China as

the permanent member of the Security Council, the USSR was boycotting the committee.

The council assembled a resolution calling on UN member states to provide aid for South

Korea.

Without the Soviets there to veto the vote, the resolution passed.

As Seoul fell, Truman pledged the United States's support.

The invasion was compared to Hitler's invasion of Poland.

UN soldiers began to arrive in South Korea, but despite their aid, the North Koreans continued

to make progress.

One horrific action was that as the North Koreans took territory, they committed massacres

of intellectuals and people who worked for the South Korean government.

Less than three months into the war, the UN and South Koreans were pushed back to this

tiny spot, the Pusan Perimeter.

The UN and South Korean forces, led by legendary American megalomaniac General Douglas MacArthur,

planned a breakout of this line.

With UN ground forces and US air support, the line broke down.

They began to push back the North Korean tide, and reverse the momentum of the war that Kim

thought might be nearly over.

The surprise landings by UN forces at Inchon on the 15th of September helped their position

immensely.

By September 25th, the campaign was so successful they had recaptured the capital of Seoul,

cutting off supply lines to North Korean troops still to the south of the Capital.

Many North Korean divisions dissolved, and it looked as if the war could still be over

soon, with a southern victory.

But the war would continue for a few more years.

The UN forces decided to cross the 38th parallel themselves.

But that story we'll have to save for next week in part two of this Korean War history.

A big thank you to Tristan from StepBack History for providing the first part in our two part

narrative!

We can be reached via email at [email protected].

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