History AQA GCSE Conflicts and Tensions in Asia: Korea, printable notes made and used by Grade 9 History student. Contains in-depth facts/research covering every aspect of the specification. Includes analytical-response notes, visual aids, and extremely helpful revision aid for making flashcards, o...
Conflict and Tension In Asia: Korea
Events leading to The Cold War
The Importance of the Cold War
The Cold War was a conflict between the two superpowers: capitalist USA and communist USSR. The Cold War
contributed to the Korean War in two main ways:
1) Korea was divided into a Communist North linked to the USSR and a capitalist South linked to the USA.
Both sides wanted a united Korea, but neither side would accept the other’s ideology.
2) The USA was very concerned about the spread of Communism. The USA was prepared to help defend
any country threatened by a communist takeover.
Soviet losses in WW2
What happened?
20 million soldiers and civilians died from the USSR.
They burnt everything so Germans couldn’t use them e.g. masses of land gone (farms, buildings).
American casualties were around 330,000 soldiers.
Effect on tensions between USSR and USA
Increases tensions
USSR invested huge amounts into war compared to Americans, who lost significantly less than them.
WW2 Alliance
What happened?
USA only joined war in Europe after Germany declared war on them.
USA tested and used an atomic weapon without the knowledge of the Soviet Union.
Effect on tensions between USSR and USA
Deteriorates tensions
USA are successful in using an atomic weapon, something which could have massively ameliorated
Soviet losses previously in the war.
There was a lack of trust between the two superpowers; USA did not inform USSR about their use of
atomic weapons
Links to other events
Soviet losses: this directly impacts the quality of this alliance, by souring it
, Yalta & Potsdam Conferences
What happened? Effect on tensions between USSR and USA
Yalta - Allied leaders met at Yalta, Ukraine to plan what would - Yalta conference was successful, had
happen to Europe after Germany’s defeat, as in February minimal influence on tensions
1945 it was inevitable. - The change in presidency from Roosevelt to
- The Big Three agreed on most important matters, Truman, who was extremely anti-communist
except Poland. However, managed to negotiate and and very suspicious of Stalin, had a massive
conduct business. impact on the success of the conference.
Potsda - Allied leaders met on 17 July 1945 in Potsdam, Berlin o Truman saw Soviet actions in
m (stamping authority on win) eastern Europe as preparations for a
- general election in Britain, Clement Atlee won and Soviet takeover of Europe
Churchill’s absence meant the conference was dominated o Tensions increased massively
by Stalin and Truman and their rivalry. o Relationships deteriorated, there is a
- disagreed on what to do with Germany lack of trust and compatibility
- disagreed over reparations whatsoever.
- disagreed over Soviet policy in Europe
Links to other events
WW2 Alliance: they were present at these conferences, and the members of all negotiations
Soviet Expansion
What happened?
Stalin gradually tightened control in each communist country owned
by USSR
A secret police imprisoned those opposing communist rule or may do
at a later date
Soviets occupied most of Eastern Europe (right)
Cominform set up in 1947 to coordinate work of Communist Parties
of Eastern Europe and allowed Stalin to spectate their leaders’ activity
Effect on tensions between USSR and USA
USA had already feared Communist takeover, this was now
happening as they had anticipated
Heightened tensions as USSR had increasing power, as a dictator so
did Stalin, and there is far more communism
This is very much disliked Truman, who is anti-communist.
Greece
What happened?
Churchill sent troops in 1945 to restore order in Greece and supervise free elections between
Communists and Monarchists – but supported Monarchists, and the King returned to power.
USSR protested in 1946 to UN that these troops threatened peace, but to no avail.
Communists attempted by force leading to civil war.
British troops couldn’t afford war, declaring their withdrawal in February 1947.
Truman stepped in to pay for them to prop up the King’s government, and prevent communist
takeover.
Effect on tensions between USSR and USA
Heightened tensions
USA’s involvement was clearly to defeat communism spreading further
This was a proxy war between USA and USSR, as USA paid British to fight and Greek communists were
supplied with equipment and money by USSR.
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