The Korean War

1. The Korean War

2. Communist China • Chinese Communists against nationalist government of Chiang Kai-shek • (U.S. supports Kai-Shek because he is NOT communist) • & resisted Japanese during war • U.S. tries to use policy of containment • However, his government weak & corrupt

3. Communist China • Rival Mao Zedong(communist) gained support of peasants (promote literacy and improve food production) – join Communists’ Red Army • Civil war erupts

4. Communist China • U.S. sends $2 billion of military supplies BUT no troops • Nationalists flee to Taiwan and communists gain control of all of mainland China – est. People’s Republic of China • U.S. refuses to accept new government

5. Communist China U.S. stunned that containment failed – blame Truman because he did not send troops State Department blames Chinese internal forces and that U.S. was not prepared to fight Fear of Communist world domination grows

6. Asian Pacific Region

7. Korea’s Back Story • 1910 Japan annexed Korea • End of WW2 Japanese troops • North of 38th parallel surrender to Soviets – North Korea • Troops south of 38th parallel surrender to U.S. – South Korea • U.S. had pulled out many troops – 500 left • Soviets see an opportunity to gain control of region

8. The Conflict Commences The Attack • June 25, 1950 – North Korea surprise attacks South Korea • South Korea calls on U.N. for help • Soviets boycotting U.N. Security Council over Taiwan

9. The Conflict Commences • Soviets cannot veto so vote for military action passes • Truman commits troops stationed in Japan & places American fleet between Taiwan and China • 16 nations commit troops – 90% were Americans – under leadership of General MacArthur

10. The Conflict North Korea gains control of South Korea’s capital of Seoul They push U.N. and South Korean troops to Pusan MacArthur counterattacks – September 15, 1950 does a surprise land/water attack behind enemy lines at Inchon

11. The Conflict China wants North Korea as buffer zone for Manchurian provinces China fights back – November, 1950 – 300,000 Chinese troops join war on the side of North Korea Chinese troops force U.N. troops southward 2 years of battle left either side with little advancement in terms of strategic positioning

12. The Conflict U.S. led troops move up from Pusan North Korean troops trapped and surrender or flee across 38th parallel U.N. forces keep marching northward to Yalu River (border between China and North Korea)

13. American Views Divided MacArthur wants to attack mainland China Wants to use nuclear weapons Truman rejects plan because China has mutual defense pact with Soviets – would launch WW3 U.N. troops begin to move northward and regain Seoul and go to the 38th parallel

14. The Conclusion of Battle • June 23, 1951 – Soviet Union suggests cease-fire • By July, both sides agree to: • Cease-fire line would be existing battle line • Establish a demilitarized zone between opposing sides • Exchange of prisoners

15. American Views Divided MacArthur angry with Truman and tries to go over his head MacArthur continues bad mouthing Truman Truman as Commander-in-Chief fires MacArthur Public support (69%) favored MacArthur’s position Ultimately, Truman and his supporters got a congressional committee to support their view – led to public support

16. The Conclusion of Battle • By July 1953, both sides signed armistice ending the war • War cost Americans • 54,000 lives • $67 billion • Cost led to Americans rejecting the Democratic Party and electing Eisenhower (a Republican) • Fear of communist aggression grows even more