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Review . Who are the Rosenbergs ? What is the term used to describe the extreme accusations of communism during the 1950’s? What leadership changes took place in the mid-1950’s in the U.S. and USSR? What does mutually assured destruction mean?
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Review • Who are the Rosenbergs? • What is the term used to describe the extreme accusations of communism during the 1950’s? • What leadership changes took place in the mid-1950’s in the U.S. and USSR? • What does mutually assured destruction mean? • What association conducted trials of alleged communists during the 1950’s?
The Korean War The Forgotten War 1950-1953
The Fall of China • Before WWII, China was engaged in a Civil War • Between Chiang Kai-shek (anti-communist) • And Mao Zedong (communist) • Temporarily joined forces during WWII to fight Japan • After the war, the Civil War resumed
The Fall of China • The U.S. supported Chiang • The USSR supported Mao • The fear was that the defeat of Chiang would result in a communist superpower spanning most of Asia • Chiang’s army was not up to the task • The Chinese citizens were starving • Mao promised to feed the people, winning their support
The People’s Republic of China • 1948- Mao’s forces dominate • The US does not respond to Chiang’s appeal for military intervention • He flees in 1949 • China’s fall to communism shocked the American people • Communism now controlled about ¼ of the land masses and 1/3 of the population
The Situation in Korea • After WWII, Korea had been split into North Korea (communist) and South Korea (noncommunist) • South Korea remained occupied by American troops until 1949 • Their departure in response to the communist victory in China • North Korea began building its military forces
Kim Il Sung Syngman Rhee
North Korea Invades • In June 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea • Their army of 90,000, armed with powerful Soviet weapons quickly overtook the South Korean capital, Seoul. • Within days, the Northern army had taken Seoul and advanced on the retreating South Korean army
U.S. Aids South Korea • Truman announced the U.S. would defend South Korea • The UN Security Council quickly follows Truman’s lead an announces its support • USSR could have vetoed the UN’s resolution had they been in attendance • However, they were boycotting sessions due to the refusal of Mao Zedong
Problems Arise • No declaration of war was made • Truman moved occupation troops from Japan to Korea • But, they were not properly trained or prepared for the North Korean army • Quickly followed the retreat of the South Korean Army
Douglas MacArthur • Plans a counterattack on the poor city of Inchon, behind enemy lines • September 1950- U.S. troops landed in Inchon and attacked from the rear guard of North Korean troops • By October, the North Korean army had been driven north of the 38th parallel (Korean border)
China Forces a Stalemate • MacArthur continues to push the North Korean army • He was warned by Chinese Foreign Minister, Zhou Enlai not to push to the Yalu River • MacArthur ignored the warning and the advance had reached the Chinese border at the Yalu River • November 1950- 300,000 Chinese soldiers attacked the South Korean and U.S. positions
Limited War • MacArthur sought a total victory • Wanted to achieve through atomic weapons and invading China • Truman’s policy of limited war (to achieve specific goals) angered MacArthur • MacArthur sent a letter to the House Republican leader attacking the President’s policies • When the letter was made public, MacArthur was fired for insubordination
The End: No One Wins • By spring 1951, the Allied forces has stabilized their position near the 38th parallel • Small, but deadly battles were fought along the border with few results until 1953 • 1952- Eisenhower is elected president with the promise to end the war • June 27, 1953- cease-fire is signed • Eisenhower threatened atomic warfare and the death of Stalin aided this decision
Immediate Effects • 37,000 Americans killed • 103,000 Americans wounded • Relations with China worsen • Armed forces are racially integrated
Lasting Effects • Military spending increases • Military commitments increase worldwide • Relations with Japan improve • Precedent of sending military into combat without congressional approval • SEATO- Southeast Asia Treaty Organization • Same purpose as NATO • Included Pakistan, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, France, Britain, U.S.