Korea

Questions 2A-2C

A. What kinds of problems were created as a result of two separate Korean states being set up in 1948?

The division of Korea into South Korea and North Korea was the result of the 1945 Allied victory in World War II, ending the Empire of Japan's 35-year colonial rule of Korea by General Order No. 1. The United States and the Soviet Union agreed to temporarily occupy the country as a trusteeship with the zone of control along the 38th parallel. The purpose of this trusteeship was to establish a Korean provisional government which would become "free and independent in due course",[1] as set forth in the Cairo Conference.

B. Describe what took place on the morning of June 25th, 1950.

On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces surprised the South Korean army (and the small U.S. force stationed in the country), and quickly headed toward the capital city of Seoul. The United States responded by pushing a resolution through the U.N.’s Security Council calling for military assistance to South Korea.

C. How did the United States convince the United Nations to support intervention in Korea?

By explaining that it was an effort to protect a people that couldn't protect themselves. One half of Korea was very different than the other.

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