Korean War 1950-1953

1
Korean War 1950-1953
Objective Demonstrate an understanding of how
the Korean War resulted in a further heightening
of Cold War tensions
2
Who Lost China?

• Chiang Kai-shek (nationalists) and Mao Zedong
  (communists) continued civil war post-WWII
• Chiang Kai-sheks forces fled to Taiwan in 1949

3
Divided Korea

• Korea divided along 38th parallel by US and USSR
• US backs South
• USSR backs North
• Both pull out by 1949 but
• June 25, 1950 N. Korean troops invaded the South

4
Truman Responds

• Avoid appeasement and fate of League
• Contain Communism
• Korea confirms containment doctrine idea that
  cant relax our guard w/o Comm. aggression
• Chance to implement NSC-68
• Demonstrate that Democrats are not soft on
  Communism

5
UN Involvement

• Truman calls on UN to declare police action
  against aggressors
• Security Council vote no China, Russia absent
  in protest
• No congressional approval, no declaration of war
• US made up 50 of troops, S. Korea 40

6
MacArthur vs. Truman

• MacArthur
• Great offensive
• Then miscalculates
• Wants to retaliate and attack China
• Suggests atomic weapons
• Truman disagrees
• China gives warning, then counterattacks
• MacArthur publicly criticizes Truman In war,
  there is no substitute for victory!
• Truman fires MacArthur

7
Truman and the War

• Policy of Limited War for Specific Goals
• Prevent major land war
• Avoid World War III atomic escalation
• Criticized heavily at home

8
An Unpopular War at Home

• Soon after World War II
• Many casualties when not at War
• Stalemate
• no clear victory or treaty
• Goals unclear changing
• Far removed from Americans lives
• Eisenhower campaigns on ending war and wins 1952
  election

9
Effects

• 54,246 American troops killed
• 103,284 wounded and missing
• 54 billion cost
• Reinforces Containment policy
• NSC-68s recommendations are followed
• Leads to increased military spending
• Speeds up Nuclear Arms Race
• Separates Korean peninsula
• Trend of President committing troops without
  Congressional Declaration of War

10
Discussion Questions

• Was the Korean War a success or failure?
• Did MacArthur have the right to publicly
  criticize Truman?
• Should the President be able to commit troops
  without Congress declaring War?
• What are our options if another country does
  something we dont like?
• When should we use military intervention?
• What criteria should be considered before taking
  military action?
• What type of military action should be taken?