Korean War 1950-1953: A Limited Conflict with Global Impact

1. II. Korean War1950-1953

2. A. Background When WWII ends, Korea is DIVIDED along 38th parallel. Both Korea’s want RE-UNIFICATION

3. Korea Divided -- 1945North – Kim Il Sung vs. South – Sigmund RheeCommunist – supported by Stalin Dictator --- supported by USA

4. Goal for Both Korean LeadersRe-unite Korea Stalin agrees to request by Kim Il Sung To Attack South Korea – massive Soviet militaryaidprovided

5. Phase One Invasion across 38th Parallel NK Communists Push S.Korean Army & US forces back US and South Korean forces are ill-equipped, unprepared – they RUN ! June 1950Invasion !

6. Goals Soviet Goal: 1. Spread COMMUNISM in Asia -- assist other communist nations U.S. Goals: 1. Stop communism – SHOW Soviets that US will fight 2. Keep this war LIMITED = this is the 1st “limited war” of the Cold War

7. Pusan Perimeter“The Last Stand” Phase Two • Pusan perimeter – last hold-out for US forces • United Nations condemns North Korean attack– UN sends forces from 16 countries, to help US

8. UN/US Counter-Attack • Phase Three General Douglas MacArthur commands: “Give me 1st Marine Division to do what they do best” Amphibious landing at Inchon

9. US/UN Pursuit • Phase Four • Now it is the turn for North Koreans to run – back to the north • US/UN forces pursue MacArthur wants to eliminate communist North Korea -- “Win the war” • RISKY !

10. China is CommunistCorrupt “Nationalist” Chiang Kai Shek was defeated in 1949China led by Mao Zedong

11. Chinese have million-man army poised just miles away from unaware American G.I.’s It’s November 1950 --- G.I.’s are talking about “being home for Christmas” as they eat hot turkey dinners in North Korea MacArthur: “No Mr. President – don’t worry about the Chinese” Truman meets with MacArthurTruman: “Willthe Chinese intervene to help North Koreans ?”

12. Surprise ! • Phase Five • 600,000 Chinese Communisttroops launch massive ambush – for second time, Americans run in Korea ! • Embarrassed MacArthur calls for using nuclear weapons – • “Let’s eliminate the Red Menace in China, while we’re at it !” says MacArthur

13. Who’s in charge here ? • President Truman: “No General – this war stays limited – just hold South Korea” • Gen. MacArthur – complains to the media: “This is no way to win a war !” • President Truman: “Follow your orders General and keep your opinion to yourself !” • MacArthur repeats call to use Nuc’s on China, in the media

14. Truman: “You’re Fired MacArthur !”

15. Stalemate in Korea ! • Phase Six • New US Commander stabilizes the front line • Korea turns into “trench warfare” stalemate – this suits Stalin to see Americans bogged down in costly war • Fighting drags on – 2 years !

16. B. Outcome The war ends in a TRUCE at the ORIGINAL border Korea remains divided TODAY

17. C. American Controversy Over “LIMITED WARS” Korea was the first limited war DEFINITION: 1. RESTRICTED to smaller region; avoid expanding the SIZE 2. No NUCLEAR weapons used 3. No DECLARATION of war & no peace TREATY 4. US will support oppressive DICTATORS so long as they are anti-communist 5. Avoid direct US-Soviet COMBAT Nuclear war

18. General Douglas MacArthur He resists concept of “limited war” – he wants to invade CHINA Truman FIRES MacArthur as US/UN commander when be publicly challenged the President (Commander-in-Chief) = This challenges CIVILIAN (President) CONTROL of the US military

19. Stalin dies – 1953Truce Signed = “cease fire”but its no peace treaty

20. 2010 -- Cold War continues in KoreaSo-called “Demilitarized Zone” (DMZ) is heavily armed, guardedUS troops are still in South Korea

22. Sometimes – North Korea sends little reminders:“Don’t forget about us, we’re still here !”

23. North Korea has its own way of preparing for another Invasion “Got a shovel ?”

24. Intelligence Estimate: 30 unknown North Korean tunnels

26. And don’t forget: “Two if by Sea!”South Korean Navy intercepts communist infiltrators on subs

30. What’s Next ?North Korea is developing nuclear weaponsand Long-range missiles