The Korean War

America’s Forgotten War

Origins: Civil War in China

Recall: During the age of imperialism, China was divided under “Spheres of Influence.”

Recall: Japan invaded China (Manchuria) during 1930s, WWII.

• Reaction?– Nationalism sweeps over China!

• Some call for powerful democracy.• Others see Communism as the solution

to building a strong country.– Two sides fought in a long Civil War!

• Outcome: Communists win in 1949!

CHINA BECOMES THE WORLD’S SECOND COMMUNIST COUNTRY

in 1949!

Dividing KoreaRecall: During WWII, Japan had

also expanded into Korea.• Reaction: Most Koreans

became nationalistic.– Outcome: Plans for Korean

independence were never worked out before the fall of Japan.

• Temporary Solution?– Korea divided at 38th

Parallel!» Soviets occupy North» USA occupies South» Occupying forces

withdraw in 1949…

The Conflict Begins…• 1950 North Korea attacks South Korea.

– Why does the US intervene?1. Containment

• Review - What is this again?

2. Domino Theory• First Russia, now China, then… ?

– “Proxy War”• USA and USSR never in direct

conflict• USA supports any government that is

against one supported by the USSR.

USA Becomes Involved

• UN Involvement– Truman seeks UN

support.• USSR protests!

– Officially deemed a “UN Peace-keeping Action,” though 80% of military presence is from USA.

Waging the War: MacArthur’s Strategy

• Douglas MacArthur– War hero from WWI, WWII,

strong anti-communist.– Headed post-war occupation in

Japan, South Korea• War Strategy

– North Korea had advanced quickly

• Supply lines thin?– Land US forces at Inchon.

Forces will cut off supply lines from North Korea.

• Also advance from South (Pusan)

– Strategy works!• Invaders flee across 38th

parallel.

The War, Cont’d

• Troops Keep Advancing– US and South Korea begin

talks of creating a pro-western democratic gov’t.

• Chinese Involvement– Chinese warn US not to

advance past Korean border.– MacArthur does anyway.

• “Home By Christmas”

– China backs North Korea, pushes South Korean and US forces back to 38th parallel.

Truman vs. MacArthur

• Invade China?– MacArthur wants to back

the Chinese Nationalists Army (Taiwan) in an “invasion” of China.

• Truman opposes, fears widespread war in Asia.

• MacArthur sends letter to House Minority leader attacking Truman’s policies, March 1951.

– Truman fires MacArthur for insubordination!

End and Legacy of the War• Continuing Stalemate

– Little movement persisted from either side for two years.

– 1953, Armistice signed.• Still fighting?

• Legacy– Containment

• US began to see that wars in the atomic age would be limited victories.

– Fear of Russian nukes!• US Role in the World

– US began to see itself as world policeman (permanent mobilization of troops).

• Future Policies in Asia– US signs treaty with Japan– Vietnam?

Korean War Recap