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This assignment explores the causes and results of the Korean War, the US policy of containment, and the decision to fight a limited war instead of total war. It also examines the Chinese civil war and the eventual victory of the Communist Party led by Mao Zedong.
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Opening Assignment • What could happen if the US got involved in a total war with one of the USSR’s allies? • How could this possibly be avoided?
Essential Learning Goal: • The Cold War between the Soviet Union and United States helped shape the culture, history, and politics of the United States during the 20th Century. • Learning Targets: • I can identify the participants in the Chinese civil war and the eventual victor. • I can explain the cause and result of the Korean War on Korea and the United States. • I can analyze the US policy of “containment”, the Truman Doctrine and its impact on the Korean War. • I can recognize the significance of limited war in helping to avoid nuclear war.
III. Cold War: Harry Truman --- Foreign Policy (1949)- Mao Zedong leads Communist takeover in China during a civil war. REACTION: Increased fears of communist domination U.S. spent $3 Billion in support of Nationalist, Chiang Kai-shek, only to have failed! ($2 Billion worth of military supplies and equipment)
III. Cold War: In 1948 South Korea becomes a democratic republic and North Korea becomes a Communist nation. The leader of N. Korea is Kim Il-Sung (40’s – 80’s). Grandfather of the current N. Korean leader. After US Army forces leaves the South, N. Korea attempts to unite Korea by force. Kim Il-Sung; Kim Jong-Il; Kim Jong-un
III. Cold War: Harry Truman --- Foreign Policy Korean War (1950-1953): (June, 1950) Communist North Korea invades across the 38th parallel, attacking democratic South Korea Apply Cold War policy: What should be the main objective in the Korean War?
III. Cold War: Harry Truman --- Foreign Policy U.N. troops (made up of 90% Americans) defend South Korea Led by General Douglas MacArthur
III. Cold War: Harry Truman --- Foreign Policy 300,000 Communist Chinese troops come into war on side of North Korea and drive the U.N. army back into the South.
III. Cold War: Harry Truman --- Foreign Policy -As the war was stalemated along the initial border, the 38th parallel, US General Douglas MacArthur suggests that the US needs to attack China because that was the place “where the communist conspirators have elected to make their play for global conquest.” -He even recommends the use of nuclear weapons against Chinese cities as a solution to breaking the stalemate.
III. Cold War: Harry Truman --- Foreign Policy President Harry S. Truman and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided that attacking China would be “the wrong war, at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and with the wrong enemy.” One reason for this decision was that China had a mutual defense alliance with the Soviet Union. General MacArthur criticized the President and other leaders in the media and argued that the war should be a total war against our enemies. President Truman decided to fire MacArthur in April 1951 even though he had a 70% popularity with the American public. THINK: Do you think President Truman handled this issue in the best possible manner? How did MacArthur’s past success affect his judgment about this war?
III. Cold War: Harry Truman --- Foreign Policy When he returned to the US General MacArthur was given a tickertape parade and he was allowed to make a speech before the US Congress. This was an honor usually reserved for heads of foreign governments ONLY. At his address he closed his comments with the observation “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.” The President instead focuses on limiting the war and working toward a peace treaty. THINK: How did limited war versus total war help keep from escalating the Korean conflict?
III. Cold War: Harry Truman --- Foreign Policy Results of Korean War: Stalemate at the 38th parallel 54,000 Americans die & billions of Dollars were spent. THINK: Was the objective of the Korean War achieved? Should more have been done?
Daily Review • Who were the participants in the Chinese civil war and the which side won? • Who was Mao Zedong? • How did the Korean War begin? • What affect did the war have on the United States? • How did the US policy of “containment” and the Truman Doctrine impact the Korean War? • Why did President Truman decide to focus on fighting a limited war instead of a total war? BONUS QUESTIONS • Who is the current leader of N. Korea? • How is the current leader of N. Korea related to the past two leaders?