The Cold War Heats Up Cold War 2

The Cold War Heats Up Cold War #2

I. China Becomes a Communist Country n A. Chinese Civil War n n n 1. Communists led by Mao Zedong overthrew the Nationalist government headed by Chiang Kai. Shek. 2. The Nationalists fled to the island of Taiwan and mainland China became Communist. 3. Many Americans were disturbed by China becoming communist, and American fear of communism began to burn out of control.

n n 1. Ruled in southern and eastern China. 2. Relied heavily on aid from U. S. 3. Struggled with inflation and a failing economy. 4. Suffered from weak leadership and poor morale.

n n 1. Ruled in northern China. 2. Relied heavily on financial aid from Soviet Union. 3. Attracted peasants with promises of land reform. 4. Benefited from experienced guerrilla army and a highly motivated leadership.

II. The Korean War n A. North Korea Attacks South Korea n n n 1. The 38 th parallel split democratic South Korea with Communist North Korea. 2. On June 25, 1950 North Korean troops swarmed over the border and attacked S. K. 3. The UN led by General Douglas Mac. Arthur sent some 520, 000 troops to aid South Korea.

n B. The U. S. fights in Korea n n n 1. Mac. Arthur launched a surprise attack at Inchon and pushed the North Koreans almost to the Yalu river which is the North Korean border with China. 2. China, then attacked and the two sides fought to a stalemate for over two years. 3. Mac. Arthur called for a nuclear attack on China, but Truman did not agree.

Kim IL Sung

n n n 4. Attacking China could start WWIII because China was allies with the Soviet Union. 5. Mac. Arthur kept urging for full scale war until Truman fired him. 6. Many Americans were angry with Truman, but later realized that Truman had made the right decision.

n “The Buck stops here. ”

n “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away. ”

n B. Settling for Stalemate n n n 1. In July 1953 after almost two years of negotiating for prisoners and the cease fire line the U. S. and N. K signed an armistice. 2. Communism had been contained, but N. K was still communist. 3. As a result of the Korean War the democrats lost the presidency, increased the fear of communist aggression, and prompted a hunt for Americans who might be blamed for communist gains.