When the North Korean army attacked South Korea and successfully captured most of Korea, the Americans became alarmed. On June 27, they convinced the United Nations (UN) to pass a resolution to support South Korea. Though the UN called for a ceasefire, it was ignored. America then sent troops to Korea to reinforce the South Korean army at Pusan.
Reasons
-Domino theory: Around the time of the war, China had become communist. The Americans being capitalist were afraid that other countries in East Asia would also follow suit and become communist. If the North Koreans, who were communist, were to successfully invade South Korea, Korea would then become communist. Harry Truman, then US president, was afraid that other countries like Japan would fall to the communist.
(image below: photo of harry Truman with Syngman Rhee :http://ysfine.com/kobak/rheetr.html)
-Undermine communism. Truman believed that the capitalist way of life would be overwhelmed by communist ideologies. Truman had his Truman doctrine, which also applied to Asia, so south korea should also be given aid. After stating that South Korea should be given aid, the American National Security Council issued a report suggesting “rolling back communism”.
-A way to oppose the USSR without direct conflict. The Korean war occurred when the USA and USSR were in a “cold war” with each other. Both countries were in a way competing to gain more power and influence, as the two super powers in the world at that time. By supporting the South Koreans, who were fighting against the North Koreans (who were aided by USSR), they were indirectly fighting against USSR.
Valerie
Mostly food for thought, but I once attended a research presentation about Domino theory (it was by a student, but was under the guidance of a mentor from NUS/NTU/NIE - Can't remember which). Domino theory, in effect, prevents itself from happening, as countries will actively intervene to prevent it from coming true. (Such as in this case, where the US sends aid to South Korea.
ReplyDeleteWhat are your thoughts on this?
-Tricia
What's the group's view on the above reasons used by the US, particularly that of the "Domino Theory"? How valid was the use of the DT by the US to advance her case of checking on USSR's expansionism?
ReplyDeleteOur group feels that all three reasons given were crucial in causing the US to intervene. The domino theory could be considered as an ideological belief, and it was not proven to be true. The Domino theory should not be seen as a "valid excuse" for intervening.
ReplyDelete