The Korean War 1950 1953 Korea Korea Controlled

The Korean War (1950 -1953)

Korea

Korea • Controlled by Japan during WW II • North occupied by USSR • South occupied by USA • Line drawn at 38 th Parallel – North communist – South not

The Korean War • June of 1950 – Communist N. Korea invades the South – Recall NSC-68 • US-led United Nations calls North Korea the aggressor – USSR had boycotted the meeting • So, they didn’t veto • American-led UN troops enter Korea – Goal is to push NK back to 38 th Parallel • CONTAIN communism

Phases of the Korean War 1) North Korea pushes UN forces far south 2) UN forces regroup and push NK back to 38 th Parallel 3) Decision made to push NK farther North a) Note change from original plan 4) UN forces push NK to Yalu River (on the border of China)—Nov, 1950 5) China (now communist) enters War (11/50) 6) UN forces pushed back to 38 th Parallel 7) Truce declared in July 1953 a) Korea still divided at 38 th Parallel

Mac. Arthur vs. Truman

General Douglas Mac. Arthur • Already famous – Broke up Bonus Army in 1932 – “Returned” to Philippines in 1944 • Wanted all out war against communism – Proposed nuclear weapons against China and North Korea

Mac. Arthur vs. Truman • Mac. Arthur calls for using A-bombs on China and North Korea • Truman says no • Mac. Arthur attacks Truman in press • Truman fires Mac. Arthur • American public strongly supports Mac. Arthur – World War III is avoided

Korean War Balance Sheet • Never technically a “war” – Congress never declared war – A United Nations “Police Action” • Lasted 3 years • 50, 000 American dead – 2, 000 Koreans • South & North remain divided at 38 th Parallel