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The Cold War Begins

The Cold War Begins. 1951-53. Early 1951. January – April: U.S. 8 th Army pushes North Korean and Chinese forces back up the peninsula. April – May: Communist troops launch last big offensive, checked by UN forces. June: UN pushes back to 38 th parallel. Meanwhile, a flustered MacArthur.

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The Cold War Begins

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  1. The Cold War Begins 1951-53

  2. Early 1951 • January – April: U.S. 8th Army pushes North Korean and Chinese forces back up the peninsula. • April – May: Communist troops launch last big offensive, checked by UN forces. • June: UN pushes back to 38th parallel.

  3. Meanwhile, a flustered MacArthur • After Chinese intervention in November 1950, he wanted more resources and greater latitude to prosecute the war, particularly: • air and naval forces against Communist China • Nationalist Chinese troops from Formosa • Army divisions in reserve in U.S.

  4. Then, a frustrated MacArthur • Depicted situation in dire terms (evacuation of “annihilation”). • Made numerous statements that undermined or attacked the Truman Administration’s policies. • MacArthur fired in April.

  5. Administration policies • Prosecute limited war in Korea. • Deter larger war with the Soviet Union • Build-up U.S. nuclear & conventional forces • Bolster alliances with allies.

  6. Money • Defense budgets at the end of the Truman Administration jump to $40-50 billion. • Two-thirds of federal budget. • Spending on the Korea conflict accounts for about 40% of defense spending.

  7. Manpower, 1950-53 • Over 1.7 million men drafted. • More than 800,000 reserves and National Guardsmen called for federal service. • By 1953, U.S. Army had 20 divisions • 6 in Germany

  8. Air Force beefed up • Strategic Air Command: number of personnel and aircraft doubled over two years. • Gets first all-jet bomber: B-47 • Number of bases (and targets) expanded.

  9. Number of tactical aircraft increased, primarily for defense of Europe • 1952: Air Defense Command created to develop integrated system to protect U.S. from enemy air attack • Air Force also ordered to build an early warning system

  10. NATO bolstered: 5 goals • U.S.-appointed supreme commander for NATO forces in Europe. • More U.S. forces for Europe. • More military aid for NATO countries. • Draw up plans to defend western Europe in Germany. • Create a West German army within NATO.

  11. Accomplishments by 1953 • NATO had 25 active divisions in Europe (without any German troops) • Over 5,000 aircraft at about 100 bases.

  12. Meanwhile, back in Korea… • Front lines stabilize after summer of 1951, become more static. • Fighting comes to result attritional warfare of WWI. • “Iron Triangle” key objective

  13. Far East Air Forces (FEAF) • Missions: • air superiority • close air support • interdiction

  14. Armistice talks • Drag on from November 1951 – July 1953. • Points of agreement: • demilitarized zone • no limits placed on forces on either side • Point of contention: • prisoners of war

  15. Late-war developments • Eisenhower elected President in November 1952. • Stalin dies, March 1953. • Communist insurgency in Indochina going well. • Rhee government (in ROK) convinced to accept an armistice.

  16. July 27, 1953 • Armistice signed (not a peace treaty). • Requires permanent U.S. commitment to South Korea: • Build-up of ROK forces • Stationing of U.S. troops to help guard DMZ

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