Question

Evaluate the extent to which the causes of the Korean War (1950–1953) were similar to the causes of the Vietnam War (1964–1973). Provide 3 to 5 reasons of how they were similar and one difference.

a) Both wars were influenced by Cold War tensions and the spread of communism.
b) Both wars involved the intervention of major world powers.
c) Both wars had roots in the division of a country into North and South.
d) One key difference is that the Korean War was an early Cold War conflict, while the Vietnam War occurred later.

Answer 1

The causes of the Korean War and the Vietnam War were similar in many ways. Both wars were influenced by Cold War tensions and the spread of communism, involved major world powers, and had roots in the division of a country into North and South. The key difference is that the Korean War occurred earlier than the Vietnam War.

Step-by-step explanation:

The causes of the Korean War (1950–1953) and the Vietnam War (1964–1973) had similarities and one key difference.

1. Similarity: Both wars were influenced by Cold War tensions and the spread of communism. In the Korean War, North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union, invaded South Korea, which was supported by the United States. In the Vietnam War, North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union and China, fought against South Vietnam, supported by the United States.
2. Similarity: Both wars involved the intervention of major world powers. In the Korean War, the United States and the Soviet Union were directly involved in the conflict. In the Vietnam War, the United States and China were major players supporting different sides.
3. Similarity: Both wars had roots in the division of a country into North and South. In the Korean War, Korea was divided after World War II into North Korea and South Korea. In the Vietnam War, Vietnam was divided into North Vietnam and South Vietnam after the Geneva Accords in 1954.
4. Difference: One key difference is that the Korean War was an early Cold War conflict, while the Vietnam War occurred later. The Korean War took place from 1950 to 1953, while the Vietnam War started in 1964 and ended in 1973.