Korean War #8: Sino-Soviet Talks Part 4
Added 2018-02-05 00:01:01 +0000 UTC[PATRONS]
Episode 8: Sino-Soviet Talks Part 4 is the final episode examining the scene in Moscow, where the defining alliance between the Chinese Communists and the Soviet Union was signed. It took a great deal of compromise...or wait, no it didn't. It required a lot of trust...no wait, that's not right either. Em, it was mutually beneficial to both sides thanks to a whole load of scheming and power plays? Yes that's a bit more accurate. The Sino-Soviet alliance wasn't your typical alliance - it was forged by two paranoid entities at a time when each party seriously mistrusted the other.
Within this episode, we are confronted by Stalin's changing policy towards Korea, as his own policy aims seemed in jeopardy if the Chinese managed to forge a deal with the West. At the core of Stalin's concerns was that his own influence would be diluted even if the Chinese managed to forge an alliance with Moscow, as American aid or agreements could replace those of the Soviet variety. To intercept this challenge to his supremacy, Stalin began to set in motion plans which would lead directly to the outbreak of war on the Korean peninsula six months later. This episode is thus a critically important one if we are to understand Stalin's mindset and his overall policy aims. Here we discover exactly how responsible Stalin was for the conflict that followed, so I hope you enjoy it!
******
Music used:
"Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral", by Chauncey Olcott, an Irish tune originating in 1913, but popularised by Bing Crosby in the 1940s. You can find it here:http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Chauncey_Olcott/
Want to grab yourself some quality, stylish head/ear phones and get 15% off? Use the code WDF to avail of this special offer and start your listening journey with When Diplomacy Fails like never before! See: https://www.sudio.com/eu/
Want to support this podcast in other ways, as we meander through the Korean War? Check out the following links to our social media, website, source materials and Patreon below.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsPodcast/
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1856652614380207
Twitter: https://twitter.com/?lang=en
Visit the website: http://www.wdfpodcast.com/
Visit the blog: http://www.wdfpodcast.com/thevassalstate/
Look at our sources: http://www.wdfpodcast.com/source-materials/
Remember spreading the word by telling a history friend about us is still the most effective way to spread the history love! Thanksss :D
Comments
Acheson is fascinating. I ascribe to the school of thought that the US sent unintended mixed signals to the Communist Bloc by leaving South Korea out of public statements of US Defense relationships/spheres in early 1950, as well as withdrawing its advisory group unilaterally.
Patrick Mullen
2018-02-05 21:11:49 +0000 UTCI did struggle with Truman a bit as a character in the equation, as you'll see. I also had to give sufficient time to Dean Acheson, a seriously underrated individual in the historiography of the era.
When Diplomacy Fails Podcast
2018-02-05 21:08:00 +0000 UTCOh I will. IIRC, Thornton only has evidence to back up his contentions regarding Stalin ( prodding the NK offensive, yet intending it’s failure). I seriously question his contention regarding Truman Administration foreknowledge or that Mao wanted a trading relationship with the West in 1950.
Patrick Mullen
2018-02-05 21:02:09 +0000 UTCI appreciate it's not the mainstream view, but having immersed myself in it and the era for so long I can't help but be convinced. I hope you'll give the approach a chance :)
When Diplomacy Fails Podcast
2018-02-05 20:57:44 +0000 UTCJust diving into your Korean War series from the beginning. Puckishly amused that you are taking Dr. Thornton’s conspiracy theory as your thesis.
Patrick Mullen
2018-02-05 20:56:03 +0000 UTC
