THE USSR

• March 1949-kim sung tries to convince Stalin to help with an attack on south Korea and he refuses even after a communist win in china.Stalin was not willing to commit soviet troops to participate in war
• What was stalins final decision on an attack on south korea

  -war in Korea might lead to a US-Soviet conflict that could spread to Europe therefore indirect military support of south Korea was best, Stalin was not prepared to engage in direct military confrontation with the US, particularly in the context of nuclear weapons

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• China


  Mao’s priorites in 1949 were consolidating communist control in china and the consolidation of Chinese territory through regaining control of Taiwan. When north Korea invaded the south he chose not to show overt support and took. O action that would anger the US
• Why did china eventually aid the USSR and north Korea?

  Ideological solidarity- if they didn't, the view of china would be tarnished and they had to be seen supporting their fellow communists so in 1950 they intervened
• The USA

  Until 1949, US priority was security in Japan, the north Korean invasion changed US foreign policy towards Korea. Acheson was concerned that if a communist assauktvin south Korea was successful then stability established in Europe may become weakened by communist victory
• What did the USA request immediately after the invasion was made known?

  A special session of the Security Council
• Why was the USSR boycotting the Security Council at that time?

  Due to the majority decision to recognise china under jiang jieshi as the legitimatebgovernment instead of Mao
• What was the consequence of the USSR boycotting the Security Council?

  The USSR could not veto Security Council action
• What resolution was passed without opposition due to the USSR's absence?

  A resolution requiring an immediate ceasefire
• How did Truman legitimize intervention in Korea?

  By framing it as a UN intervention
• What was the effect of framing the intervention as a UN action?

  It removed the appearance of unilateral action
• How did the USA believe the UN could assist in its goals?

  By coordinating an international response