The Democratization of South Korea: A Study of the United States Involvement Pre- and Post-Korean War
Abstract
The United States has an extensive history of foreign intervention, especially during the latter half of the 20th century. While most Americans know this involvement includes Vietnam, the Middle East, and Latin America, the impact of the United States on South Korea is studied less, earning the Korean War its moniker as the forgotten war. The initial involvement of the US in the development of South Korea began following World War II and continued through the end of the 20th century into the 21st century. The similarities between South Korea and the United States demonstrate the build-up of South Korea following the Japanese occupation and during the American military occupation. Sometimes called a Westernized-Asian state, South Korea was accelerated into a democracy on the world stage with American economic, military, social, and political aid as the United States inserted itself into the nation in the name of preventing the spread of Communism. The lasting impact of US efforts becomes obvious by exploring the American military occupation, the government documents of both nations, including constitutions, and American politics, as South Korea was wielded as a political tool. Although the actions of the US could be considered benevolent, the United States intended to create a copy of itself through a proxy state in a key territory.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Kathleen Doll
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
The Democratization of South Korea: A Study of the United States Involvement Pre- and Post-Korean War
Alvin Sherman Library
The United States has an extensive history of foreign intervention, especially during the latter half of the 20th century. While most Americans know this involvement includes Vietnam, the Middle East, and Latin America, the impact of the United States on South Korea is studied less, earning the Korean War its moniker as the forgotten war. The initial involvement of the US in the development of South Korea began following World War II and continued through the end of the 20th century into the 21st century. The similarities between South Korea and the United States demonstrate the build-up of South Korea following the Japanese occupation and during the American military occupation. Sometimes called a Westernized-Asian state, South Korea was accelerated into a democracy on the world stage with American economic, military, social, and political aid as the United States inserted itself into the nation in the name of preventing the spread of Communism. The lasting impact of US efforts becomes obvious by exploring the American military occupation, the government documents of both nations, including constitutions, and American politics, as South Korea was wielded as a political tool. Although the actions of the US could be considered benevolent, the United States intended to create a copy of itself through a proxy state in a key territory.
