I am reading a very interesting book title Odd Man Out by Richard Thornton. The book goes into detail on the decisions Stalin, Mao and Truman made that started the Korean war in 1950.

I thought I knew a lot about the Korean War, but I have learned a lot as Thornton uses declassified Russian documents and other sources to paint a clear picture and bring new facts to light.

For instance, I knew Russian and China influenced Kim Sung-il's decision to go to war, but I didn't know...

...that Stalin used the Korean War to divide a wedge between the U.S. and China

...that it was a race between North Korea invading South Korea and China invading Taiwan. If China took Taiwan then they would make a deal with the U.S., something Stalin was completely against

...that basically the Korean War was started so China would get into a conflict with the U.S. and China would be reliant on Russia for arms and finances.

...that North Korea was never in a position to win because Russia never supplied air power and the arms to win the fight. As North Korea drove to Pusan and stretched out their supply lines, the Inchon landing was actually expected by Stalin

...that Russia pushed China into the war sealing two fates; a pact between Russia and China and that Taiwan would not be invaded.

In all it looks like Stalin was much better at manipulating than Truman or Mao. I would say today China is getting the better of Russia though.

Overall, it is amazing to me that North and South Korea is separate today because Russia didn't want the U.S. and China to ally. Amazing isn't it?

More to come as I read on...

Mike

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