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The Forgotten War

Learn about the Korean War, a forgotten conflict that divided Korea, involving the US, China, and the USSR. Explore the causes, battles, and effects of this significant yet often overlooked war that reshaped East Asian geopolitics.

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The Forgotten War

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  1. The Forgotten War Korean War

  2. Dividing Korea • Japan controlled Korea prior to WWII • During WWII • Soviet and US troops fought and defeated the Japanese in Korea • Soviet and US decided to split Korea at the 38th parallel (38º North) into two separate zones of occupation • Communists came to power in the North, and pro-Americans gained power in South • Soviets and Americans left by 1949

  3. Communists Take Over in China • Chinese government was headed by nationalist Chang Kai-Shek • Communist leader Mao Zedong led a civil war against the government • In 1949 the Communists took over • Nationalists were forced off the mainland to Tawain

  4. The War Begins • Both sides of the 38th parallel wanted a unified Korea • June 1950 North invaded the South to unite by force • Americans were concerned about the spread of communism • Truman uses containment and the Truman Doctrine to defend South Korea

  5. Waging the War • Truman chose WWII hero General Douglass MacArthur to lead the fight in Korea • South Korea was almost completely overrun except for the port city of Pusan • MacArthur concluded that the North’s rapid advance left their supply lines weak • MacArthur landed troops at both Inchon and Pusan • With US troops surrounding the North Korean troops at both the North and South, the North Korean army retreated

  6. Waging the War Continued • US troops began to pursue the North Koreans with the idea of uniting Korea under the South’s control • Chinese communists did not want a pro-US neighbor • Chinese warned the US not to advance any further north • MacArthur announces his “home by Christmas” offensive in November 1950 • Chinese sent troops

  7. Stalemate and End • Chinese aided the North to push the South (US) back to the 38th parallel • A stalemate at that line developed • MacArthur and Truman disagreed about a strategy • they argued, and Truman fired MacArthur • 1951-1953 deadly fighting occurred on the frontlines • When the war ended in 1953, the Korea was still divided at almost exactly the same spot it was before the war (38th parallel)

  8. Effects • 34,000 Americans dead – 103,000 wounded • Debate about whether this was a success or a failure • 1st war where integrated units fought together • Furthered aggravated relations with China that exist even today • Technically we are still at war, because no treaty was ever signed – ended with a cease-fire

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