Module 1: Korea

Korea

The Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953, was a significant conflict that emerged in the context of the Cold War, following the end of World War II. After Japan's defeat in 1945, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel into two separate zones of occupation: the northern part was administered by the USSR, while the southern part came under the influence of the United States. This division solidified ideological differences, with the North adopting a communist regime under Kim Il Sung and the South establishing a government led by the capitalist authoritarian Syngman Rhee. The tensions between these two governments escalated, culminating in North Korea's invasion of the South in June 1950, which sparked a wider conflict that drew in international powers.

The Korean War exemplified the global struggle between communism and capitalism, as both the United States and the USSR provided support to their respective allies. The United States, fearing the spread of communism in Asia, intervened on behalf of South Korea, while the USSR and China supported the North. The war resulted in significant loss of life and destruction, ultimately ending in a stalemate with an armistice in 1953 but no formal peace treaty, leaving Korea divided to this day. The conflict entrenched the ideological divide of the Cold War and set the stage for continued tension in the region, highlighting the lasting impact of the division of Korea and the geopolitical rivalries of the time.