1. Korean War

2. I. Origins After WWII, a civil war broke out in China. Nationalists vs. Communists Led by Mao Zedong U.S. sent 2 billion in aid to the nationalists. Communist forces took over China. Containment seemed to have already failed.

3. II. Korea After WWII Japanese troops north of the 38 th parallel surrendered to the Soviets. South – surrendered to the U.S. Two nations – North/South Korea developed.

4. III. War Begins June 25, 1950 – N. Korea invaded South N. Korea pushed United Nations/S. Korean forces down to the SE corner of the peninsula. General Douglas MacArthur led a dramatic counterattack.

5. IV. The War Threatens World Peace China sent more than 400,000 troops in to support N. Korea. MacArthur wanted to attack China. He suggested nuclear bombs could be used. President Truman rejected MacArthur’s plan. The last two years were a stalemate.

6. V. End of the War (sort of) In 1953, the two sides signed an armistice ending hostilities. The agreement left the Korean Peninsula divided. Both N and S. Korea were devastated by the war. 54,000 American troops died. There were 3.5 million Korean casualties.