Importance of KW to development of CW

Significance of Korea to USSR

• Could use Korea to increase communist influence in Asia-Pacific
  • Korea close to both CN and USSR, and could counteract USA's influence on Japan

Expanded CW beyond Europe

• Korea was the first time a 3rd party was used as substitutes for direct confrontation between USA and USSR
  • USA and USSR frequently sent aid to non-communist countries, taking sides in local conflicts (Vietnam, Cuba)

CW rivalry manifesting in many parts of the world, without USA and USSR having direct military confrontation

Increased USA's presence in Asia-Pacific

• USA believed USSR wanted to take control of Asia-Pacific
  • Feared that Domino Theory would be fulfilled
    • Economic reconstruction of Japan as they thought a weak economy would increase communist popularity
    • Only increased efforts in Japan after start of KW, using Japan as an important source of military supply for USA's forces in SK, boosting the defence in Japan too
  • Set up Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation

Escalation of military tensions in Europe between Western and Communist Bloc

Militarisation of NATO

• NATO militarised as KW was seen as communist aggression
  • Had to develop strategies against the communist bloc
  • USA's defence expenditure increased, more members like Turkey join NATO
  • Military exercises in NATO held

There was perceived need to strengthen European military defences due to KW

Warsaw Pact

• Established between USSR and East European satellite states
  • Members must aid each other if any member is attacked by an external party
  • Set up a unified military command under USSR