north korea 7th grade world geography 3 main topics korean war- how did things get so bad? current...
TRANSCRIPT
3 Main Topics
Korean War- how did things get so bad?
Current conditions- what is life like for North Koreans?
Nuclear program- what might happen in the future?
Division of Korea
Japan took over Korea in 1910 After Japan is defeated in WWII, U.S. and
Soviet Union divide up Korea North, controlled by Soviets, became
Communist. South, controlled by U.S. became Capitalist.
Cold War begins and tensions grow between North and South
War Begins
Kim il-Sung put in power by Soviets
Asks to invade South Korea to reunite country
Nearly takes over South Korea
U.S. sends troops to support South Koreans
U.S. Involvement
President Harry S. Truman wanted to prevent spread of Communism
U.S.-led forces fought back to near the Chinese border China supports North Korea, drives back South Koreans
38th Parallel
1953- Ceasefire agreed to, but no peace treaty 38th Parallel becomes border between North and
South
Recent Events
1991- Soviet Union collapses North Korea no longer has financial support Starvation and hardship for many citizens
followed U.S. not willing to help
Life in North Korea
13 million people are malnourished (60% of children)
Over 1 million soldiers in military
Government spent 30% of income on military
Citizens are forbidden to have contact with outside countries through phone and internet
Citizens of North Korea must obey a curfew. Satellite photos show lights turned off throughout the country.
Floods have frequently wiped out grain harvests, leading to famine.
Nearly 2 million people died in the mid 1990s from famine.
Kim Jong-il
Extremely unstable Critics are jailed Has ordered monuments
built around the country Birthday is a national
holiday Imported 200 Mercedes
Benz sedans ($20 million)