The "Winners" and The "Losers"The Korean War ended on July 27, 1953. The victory was not clearly defined and, in fact, the armistice was negotiated over the course of months between the two sides. So, who won the war? As John Halliday and Bruce Cumings wrote in their book "Korea: The Unknown War" (Pantheon Books, 1988): "Each side proclaims that it won, yet each actually seems to feel that it lost."
North Korea's Claim to VictoryThe North Korean view, as proclaimed by the late Kim Il-Sung, looks at the end of the Korean War as a surrender by the United States. Kim Il-Sung said, "In the Korean War, the U.S. imperialists suffered an ignominious military defeat for the first time in the history of the U.S.; this meant the beginning of a downward path for U.S. imperialism." North Korea gained political strength from the apparent surrender of a great superpower.
South Korea and Syngman RheeSyngman Rhee was saved and retained his power through U.S. intervention in the unstable world of Korean politics. U.S. officials did not completely support Rhee, and many found him to be disagreeable, but they helped him maintain his power base. Rhee helped set the foundations for the future of South Korean politics, a shaky foundation but one that has endured.
The United States and Korean War IssuesThe Korean War was the United States' first "unpopular war." Neither the public nor the military completely supported or understood the mission. It is also claimed to be America's first defeat in major battle and some feel that MacArthur should have been allowed to win the war. The uncertainty that ensued lead to McCarthyism and a tense atmosphere of intolerance and political persecution in the U.S. itself.
Effects in the WestThe consequences of the Korean War in Western Europe had much the same effects as in America. As a result of the indeterminate finale, military build-up and the arms race became the norm from the 1950s to the 1990s. Winston Churchill commented about the Korean War and its aftereffects on the West, "Korea does not really matter now. I'd never heard of the bloody place until I was seventy-four. Its importance lies in the fact that it has led to the re-arming of America."
China's Take on the Korean WarThe Chinese saw the end of the Korean War as a minor triumph. The results confirmed the strength of the Chinese forces because it seemed that no matter how hard the Americans tried, they ultimately failed to conquer Korea and encroach on Chinese territory. China's leadership in East Asia was re-confirmed by their strong performance in the Korean War.
War and The USSRThe Korean War was a disaster for the USSR. The uncertain ending disrupted the delicate balance between the Soviet Union and the U.S. The Soviets were certain that the indecisive end would be enough for the United States to convince their Western allies to embark on a program of rearmament. Also, the Sino-Soviet relationship split as a result of the Korean War.
Japan Benefits and Security IssuesJapan appears to be the biggest winner of the Korean War. Japan transformed from enemy to important ally in East Asian strategy. By cooperating with Western efforts and serving as a logistics base, Japan had her economic and military capabilities enhanced. Japan was able to negotiate a peace treaty with Occupation forces and gain back independence. The country experienced an economic boom as a result of the need for military technology. Japan became a pivotal area for United Nations concerns.
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History of Korea 