Korean Conflict

In this assignment, you will critically analyze the historical and spatial dimensions of the Korean conflict. You will analyze the origin of the two Koreas and the conflict that resulted from their creation. Next, you will critically examine what role did power and influence from other nations play in creating the conflict. You will also determine what lead to the Korean War and why the conflict has not ended yet. It is also important to compare the current living situation of citizens living in the two Koreas. And finally, you will consider what peace and an end to the Korean War would look like for the two nations and the world.

The following are the big geographic ideas:
  • Critically think about and analyze the origin of the two Koreas and the political, military, and economic conflict that resulted from their creation.
  • Analyze demographic data to understand the population trends and dynamics of the two nations.
  • Communicate to others key aspects of the Korean conflict and how it could come to and end peacefully or through enhanced conflict. 

North and South Korea on a Map

As you go through the activity, consider using Google Maps or Google Earth (requires Google Chrome) so that you have a geographic reference to the region. It will help you spatially understand the physical landscape and the regional powers in play that are directly or indirectly influencing the conflict. ​Specifically, locate North Korea, South Korea, China, and the United States. These nations will be key players in understanding the Korean conflict. ​

History of the North Korean War
Using the information from the Two Koreas Story Map, and the videos above, answer the following questions.
  • Describe how North and South Korea form into independent states?
  • Explain the influence and role of the United States, the Soviet Union, and China play in the formation of these two states.
  • Based on the satellite imagery and maps from the story map, describe the spatial history of the Korean War.

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Based on the videos above, answer the following questions.
  • Describe the purpose of the Demilitarized Zone.

Life in the Two Koreas
Using the information from the videos above, Two Koreas Story Map, the population pyramids for Demographic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea), and the CIA World Factbook for North Korea and South Korea, answer the questions below.
  • Using the population pyramids for both countries, compare and contrast the demographic dynamics between them between 1950 and 2019. What are the similarities and differences between the two nations? Based on the data, what are future demographic trends for each country? 
  • Compare and contrast the economics of both countries. What are their standards of living like? 
  • Describe what life is like for citizens living in North Korea.
Picture
South Korea

Current Conflict
Based on the videos above and the Two Koreas Story Map, answer the following questions below.
  • Using the maps and satellites from the story map, spatially analyze and describe the information we know about North Korea's military and weaponry based on military intelligence
  • Describe the nuclear potential of North Korea and the threat the nation imposes on South Korea and the world.

Korean Peace Summit 2018-2019
Based on the videos above, answer the following questions about the first Korean Peace Summit in 2018. 
  • Describe the purpose and results of the first Korean Peace summit in 2018.​
​Based on the videos above, describe the following about the second Korean Peace Summit in 2019. 
  • Compare and contrast what North and South Korea wants from a peace treaty.
  • Compare and contrast what the United States and China want from a peace treaty along the Korean peninsula.