Korea and the US Policy of Containment The

Korea and the US Policy of Containment The Forgotten “War”

Korea under Japanese Control 1910 - 1945 Japan ruled Korea l Post WWII: l Japan troops north of 38 th parallel surrender to Soviets n Japan troops south of 38 th parallel surrender to US n l Korea becomes two nations

Democratic vs. Communist l South = Democratic n l North = Communist n l US slowly pulls troops out, leaves South on own Soviets have great influence Soviets don’t think US will defend South

Korean Conflict l Soviets plan to take over full peninsula l June 25, 1950 - North attacks South l South appeals to United Nation n Vote to help South l June 27 - US sends in troops l 16 nations help Korea with troops & aid n 90% of troops come from US n Led by Gen. Douglas Mac. Arthur

Korea - Not a War Congress never declared war in Korea l Truman uses executive action to send troops l US not in a war, but “involved in a United Nations police action” l

Conflict - Stage 1 North has advantage l North quickly moves South l North captures Seoul l South pushed to small area l

Conflict - Stage 2 Mac. Arthur counterattack l Surprise landing behind enemy lines l North retreats, UN forces chase them l Very close to Yalu River - border with China l

Conflict - Stage 3 l l l China enters Don’t want Americans at their border Need a buffer state Capture Seoul - again Stalemate ensues

Conflict - Stage 4 Mac. Arthur wants to attack China with atomic weapons l Truman refuses l China/Soviet pact - if attack China, could start WWIII l Truman fires Mac. Arthur l

The Results Communism is contained without the use of atomic weapons l North and South Korea continue to be divided at the 38 th parallel l

The End June 23, 1951 Soviets suggest cease fire l Divide at existing battle line l Establish demilitarized zone l July 1953 - armistice finally signed l