Impact and Significance of the Korean War
The Korean War was arguably one of the most important events to occur during the Cold War. It was the first "Hot War" during the Cold War, thus testing both sides of the Cold War on how the situation would have been handled. It also led to the first conflict between troops from two different superpowers, the PRC and the US. It was also seen by the US as a test for the newly formed UN. The US believed the UN had to enter into a war to stop this aggression, or face another disaster. The USSR was unable to veto the US' decision (because of a boycott over which China should be represented), leading to a US invasion of North Korea. The end of the Korean War also signified a significant event in the Korean War, as what was originally intended to be a temporary division became a permanent division of Korea.
Effect on the USSR
Even though the USSR had a diminished role in the Korean War, the War would still affect the USSR. The US' view of monolithic Communism caused many in the US to believe that Stalin and the USSR were the masterminds behind the Korean war, even though Stalin urged Kim Il Sung not to attack. The Korean War also led to worsened relationships with China, and allowed China an opportunity to show the world its strength.
Effect on the PRC
China's involvement in the Korean War signified to the world that it had become a leader in the Communist world. Mao also took it as an opportunity to show off China's power. China's entrance into the Korean War was brought on when the US invading force pushed the North Koreans back to near the Yalu River, the border between Korea and China. This led to a mobilization of Chinese volunteers to prevent a US invasion of China through Korea. The Korean War strained relationships between the PRC and the USSR, as China was forced to pay for all the aid the USSR had provided, even though Mao saw the war in Korea as a war for Communism. This only furthered the distrust between Mao and Stalin. China was heavily involved in the Korean War, as Chinese volunteers made up most of the Communist army in Korea. However, the Korean War caused Mao to abandon his plans of a Taiwanese invasion, as too many resources had been spent in the Korean War. This may have saved Sino-American relations, as relations would have worsened if China had invaded Taiwan instead of helping North Korea in the War.