제1공화국 초기(1948~1950) 미국의 대한경제정책 연구

Abstract

This study examines the characteristics of the U. S. economic policy toward Korea from 1948 to 1950. The results of this study are as follows: First, the U. S. economic policy toward Korea was not centered on relief but on economic recovery. It was based on ECA program taking charge of Marshall Plan which intended to rehabilitate Western Europe after the end of World War Ⅱ. Second, it was a kind of policy to increase U. S. prestige in East Asia. Korea became the ‘unwanted symbol’ of the U. S. after the fall of mainland China in 1949. Economic prosperity in Korea would be a good chance to demonstrate U. S. prestige. Third, the U. S. officials wanted to save the money needed in aiding Korea through economic policy. Economic independence of Korea was essential for that plan. Fourth, the ECA officials in charge of economic policy in Korea put an emphasis on economic independence of Korea rather than regional integration between Korea and Japan which was supported by the U. S. army. Fifth, the U. S. officials were very worried about the inflation of Korea. The economic recovery plan could be executed only after the policy of economic stability focused on controling the inflation was achieved.