How did the Korean War influence the geopolitical strategies and alliances of the major Cold War powers?
At that time, Cold War was marking its first war, that is, the Korean War (1950-1953) which came out as a major proxy war between the United States and its allies versus the Soviet Union and its allies. Old alliances were strengthened and formed new ones including SEATO. The war showed the readinessRead more
At that time, Cold War was marking its first war, that is, the Korean War (1950-1953) which came out as a major proxy war between the United States and its allies versus the Soviet Union and its allies. Old alliances were strengthened and formed new ones including SEATO. The war showed the readiness of both superpowers to fight upon other people’s ground for the advancement of their respective ideological causes. It brought out the very element of danger of nuclear escalation where even now both sides had nuclear arms. The Korean War gave rise to the “limited war” doctrine, wherein not every war required all-out mobilization. This type of doctrine would be seen in subsequent Cold War conflicts, in particular, the Vietnam War. The war had some universal impacts, one of which showed that Soviet power had its limits and that the nation was determined to contain communism. It also heightened the tensions between the United States and China, with far-reaching effects in subsequent decades.
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Background: By the end of September, the American troops were able to clear the South of communists, but after China launched a counter offensive Un troops were driven out by UN troops and by mid - January 1951 Seoul was captured again. In June, UN troops cleared communists out of South Korea and peRead more
Background: By the end of September, the American troops were able to clear the South of communists, but after China launched a counter offensive Un troops were driven out by UN troops and by mid – January 1951 Seoul was captured again. In June, UN troops cleared communists out of South Korea and peace talks started in Panmunjom, July 1953.
Consequences
In USA
American President Truman could take some satisfaction for having contained communism, but many republicans felt that USA lost an opportunity to destroy communism in China.
Impact on Cold war
Many states including India wanted to keep clear of the cold war and remain uncommitted.
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