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Korean War 1950-1953

Korean War 1950-1953. Objective : Demonstrate an understanding of how the Korean War resulted in a further heightening of Cold War tensions. Who Lost China?. Chiang Kai-shek (nationalists) and Mao Zedong (communists) continued civil war post-WWII

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Korean War 1950-1953

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  1. Korean War 1950-1953 Objective: Demonstrate an understanding of how the Korean War resulted in a further heightening of Cold War tensions

  2. Who Lost China? • Chiang Kai-shek (nationalists) and Mao Zedong (communists) continued civil war post-WWII • Chiang Kai-shek’s forces fled to Taiwan in 1949

  3. Korea divided along 38th parallel by US and USSR US backs South USSR backs North Both pull out by 1949 but… June 25, 1950 N. Korean troops invaded the South Divided Korea

  4. Truman Responds • Avoid appeasement and fate of League • Contain Communism • Korea confirms containment doctrine idea that can’t relax our guard w/o Comm. aggression • Chance to implement NSC-68 • Demonstrate that Democrats are not “soft” on Communism

  5. UN Involvement • Truman calls on UN to declare “police action” against aggressors • Security Council vote: no China, Russia absent in protest • No congressional approval, no declaration of war • US made up 50% of troops, S. Korea 40%

  6. MacArthur Great offensive Then miscalculates Wants to retaliate and attack China Suggests atomic weapons Truman disagrees China gives warning, then counterattacks MacArthur publicly criticizes Truman “In war, there is no substitute for victory!” Truman fires MacArthur MacArthur vs. Truman

  7. Truman and the War • Policy of “Limited War for Specific Goals” • Prevent major land war • Avoid World War III & atomic escalation • Criticized heavily at home

  8. An Unpopular War at Home • Soon after World War II • Many casualties when “not at War” • Stalemate • no clear victory or treaty • Goals unclear; changing • Far removed from Americans’ lives • Eisenhower campaigns on ending war and wins 1952 election

  9. Effects… 54,246 American troops killed 103,284 wounded and missing $54 billion cost Reinforces Containment policy NSC-68’s recommendations are followed Leads to increased military spending Speeds up Nuclear Arms Race Separates Korean peninsula Trend of President committing troops without Congressional Declaration of War

  10. Discussion Questions • Was the Korean War a success or failure? • Did MacArthur have the right to publicly criticize Truman? • Should the President be able to commit troops without Congress declaring War? • What are our options if another country does something we don’t like? • When should we use military intervention? • What criteria should be considered before taking military action? • What type of military action should be taken?

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