South Korea South Korea was once one of the poorest country in its region, its development over the past fifty years is remarkable considering its dark history. The peninsula, that was once a part of the Japanese Empire became the property of The Soviets and The Americans after World War ll. The possession of this country between these two opposing world forces only laid the foundation for further conflict. With The Soviets believing in Communism and the Americans practicing Capitalism it was not long before the Korean War took off. The Korean War was short but bloody according to the History staff “Nearly 5 million people died,” (History Staff.com). Despite its mass casualties South Korea have emerged as one of the world most developed
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The peninsula was divided into two opposing forces, the south which was influenced by American ideals of capitalism and the North was being dictated by the ideals of the Soviet Union which was under communism. The division on the peninsula was not just a result of their political and economic beliefs, they were also separated by the 38th parallel. The 38th parallel was an entirely arbitrary line, chosen by the World War ll victors in Potsdam with no consideration for the geographical, economic, or political realities of the country, (Rothman, 2015). This line established the boundaries between North and South Korea, crossing the line meant war which is what happened after North Korea decided to invade South Korea by violating their respective boundaries. Rothman (2015) claims that the government forces which were armed to prevent borders raids and to preserve internal security, were attacked by invading forces from North Korea, (Rothman 2015). This violation was a declaration of war, a war which lasted for three years. As South Korea fought to maintain capitalism, North Korea push fourth in its objective, in which they had temporary success when they were able to take Seoul, which is the capital of South Korea. This success was short lived when American and U.N troops were able to push …show more content…
The fact that the country shares the same peninsula as its biggest enemy fully explains why it is mandatory for all men to serve at least 21 month of military service. The devastating impact of the Korean war have certainly influenced the fact that their “armed forces have grown to be the largest and most influential government organization,” (Hungee 2016), in the country. South Korea invest heavily in their military, as they should. The region is extremely vulnerable, according to Hungee (2016) The 1997 defense expenditure accounted for about 15 percent of the national government budget. South Korea take special care of it military and its peninsula is the world most densely armed zone. “The Korean peninsula is the world 's most densely armed zone with over 1.8 million combat-ready troops confronting each other across the DMZ,” (Hungee 2016). The DMZ more formerly known as the Demilitarized Zone is the border of the 38th parallel that separates South Korea from North Korea. Conflicts still brews between the two region however despite it all South Korea managed to prevail from a war that is relatively recent. The country’s military currently ranks 11th in the world compared to its enemy North Korea that ranks 25th, (Shim 2015), so it is safe to say their investment is paying
The peninsula was divided into two opposing forces, the south which was influenced by American ideals of capitalism and the North was being dictated by the ideals of the Soviet Union which was under communism. The division on the peninsula was not just a result of their political and economic beliefs, they were also separated by the 38th parallel. The 38th parallel was an entirely arbitrary line, chosen by the World War ll victors in Potsdam with no consideration for the geographical, economic, or political realities of the country, (Rothman, 2015). This line established the boundaries between North and South Korea, crossing the line meant war which is what happened after North Korea decided to invade South Korea by violating their respective boundaries. Rothman (2015) claims that the government forces which were armed to prevent borders raids and to preserve internal security, were attacked by invading forces from North Korea, (Rothman 2015). This violation was a declaration of war, a war which lasted for three years. As South Korea fought to maintain capitalism, North Korea push fourth in its objective, in which they had temporary success when they were able to take Seoul, which is the capital of South Korea. This success was short lived when American and U.N troops were able to push …show more content…
The fact that the country shares the same peninsula as its biggest enemy fully explains why it is mandatory for all men to serve at least 21 month of military service. The devastating impact of the Korean war have certainly influenced the fact that their “armed forces have grown to be the largest and most influential government organization,” (Hungee 2016), in the country. South Korea invest heavily in their military, as they should. The region is extremely vulnerable, according to Hungee (2016) The 1997 defense expenditure accounted for about 15 percent of the national government budget. South Korea take special care of it military and its peninsula is the world most densely armed zone. “The Korean peninsula is the world 's most densely armed zone with over 1.8 million combat-ready troops confronting each other across the DMZ,” (Hungee 2016). The DMZ more formerly known as the Demilitarized Zone is the border of the 38th parallel that separates South Korea from North Korea. Conflicts still brews between the two region however despite it all South Korea managed to prevail from a war that is relatively recent. The country’s military currently ranks 11th in the world compared to its enemy North Korea that ranks 25th, (Shim 2015), so it is safe to say their investment is paying