II Korean War 1950 1953 A Background When

II. Korean War 1950 -1953

A. Background When WWII ends, Korea is DIVIDED along 38 th parallel. Both Korea’s want REUNIFICATION

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

Goal for Both Korean Leaders Re-unite Korea Stalin agrees to request by Kim Il Sung To Attack South Korea – massive Soviet military aid provided

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

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

Pusan Perimeter “The Last Stand” Phase Two q Pusan perimeter – last holdout for US forces q United Nations condemns North Korean attack– UN sends forces from 16 countries, to help US

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

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

China is Communist Corrupt “Nationalist” Chiang Kai Shek was defeated in 1949 China led by Mao Zedong

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

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

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

Truman: “You’re Fired Mac. Arthur !”

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

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

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

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

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

2010 -- Cold War continues in Korea So-called “Demilitarized Zone” (DMZ) is heavily armed, guarded US troops are still in South Korea

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

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

Intelligence Estimate: 30 unknown North Korean tunnels

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

What’s Next ? North Korea is developing nuclear weapons and Long-range missiles