1. The Korean War Communists or Nationalists? (1950 – 1953) By: Abdelhak Belatreche APUSH Period 1

2. Thesis: During 1950 to 1953, a chaotic war erupted as an “extension of the Cold War” between two conflicted nations in the Korean Peninsula. It was an attempted invasion by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to invade the non-communist Southern Korea. The war grew when the United States rushed to the aid of the South Koreans in an attempt to fulfill their “police roles” as contaminators of communism. In the end, Korea was split into two nations, the communist North, and the pro-western South.

3.  The Korean War is also called the “Forgotten War” because it is somewhat overshadowed by the more famous World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War.  After WWII, Korea was branched off from Japan after the United States and Soviet Union established zones of occupation (communist and capitalist). The United States and the USSR couldn’t reach an agreement on a unified Korean government (after Korea's independence ). Two separate governments were thus created, one communist and one nationalist (pro- western). These two governments were made into separate nations divided by the 38 th parallel line. BACK-GROUND INFORMATION

4.  The Korean War was a violent outbreak in the Korean peninsula between two major parties (or political forces).  15 nations sent aid to South Korea after the Security Council of the United Nations recommended troops to be sent. These soldiers were led by the American General Douglas MacArthur.  General McArthur pursued after North Korean troops into North Korean provinces as a way to try to reunite both Koreas.  President Truman fires him, and huge criticism by the people of the US, and the growth of McCarthyism.  General Mathew Ridgeway becomes new general.

5. The major battle happened in a span of 3 years. The major battle happened in a span of 3 years. It started from June 25, 1950 when North Korea attacked South Korea. It started from June 25, 1950 when North Korea attacked South Korea. The Korean War happened in a span of three years and it was an extended battle during the much bigger, much more “passive” Cold War. The Korean War happened in a span of three years and it was an extended battle during the much bigger, much more “passive” Cold War. The War ended on July, 1953 when a peace treaty was signed in Panmonjum that ended the war. The War ended on July, 1953 when a peace treaty was signed in Panmonjum that ended the war.

6. Where? It was a war that happened in the Korean Peninsula. Three days after the invasion of South Korea, North Korean communists captured South Korean capital Seoul. The United States held off forces at Pusan, (a port at the southernmost tip of the Korean Peninsula) and went on to hold them off. In Inchon, American and South Korean marines landed there behind North Korean lines. The “allies” had a counter- offensive to make North Korean lines retreat. American troops moved forward to the Yula River (frontier between Korea and China). They then went forth and recaptured Seoul. War dragged on in all different places of Korea, including some provinces in North Korea, after being pursued by Douglas MacArthur.

7. Some famous people in the Korean War were: President Truman: President of the United States during this time. He hated communism and proposed his policy of “containment”. He also proposed the “fair deal.” He hated communism and the USSR. He didn’t want a war with China. General Douglas MacArthur: The General of the aiding troops from the United Nations. He defied president’s orders and invaded North Korea, caused an interference from China, and tried to fulfill his goal of bringing the two Koreas together. He was fired by Truman (loved by the people of the United States. General Mathew Ridgeway: The General that took over after MacArthur got fired. He helped hold on against Chinese attacks. He sent occasional offenses against the Iron Triangle. Mao Zedong: This was the leader of China during the Korean War. He was pro-communist and aided in North Korea after the invasion of MacArthur’s troops up to near Chinese borders.

8. North Korea desired an ultimate vision of the total re-alliance of the Korean Peninsula. Joseph Stalin aided and approved of North Korea’s vision. He believed that Korea was destined to be communist. The United States decided to aid South Korea because of their belief in protecting all nations that desired to contain capitalism and defeat communism. The Truman doctrine was being put into full affect, and the President decided to go for it.

10. McCarthyism was established in the United States spreading resent and sentiment to President Truman after the firing of MacArthur. McCarthyism was established in the United States spreading resent and sentiment to President Truman after the firing of MacArthur. The United States used an un-effective strategic bombing in its attempt to get Korea to sign a peace treaty. The United States used an un-effective strategic bombing in its attempt to get Korea to sign a peace treaty. Fighting was rare towards the end of the war, with neither side not accepting peace. Fighting was rare towards the end of the war, with neither side not accepting peace. In the end, Korea returned into two different nations split at the 38 th parallel. It was North Korea and South Korea. In the end, Korea returned into two different nations split at the 38 th parallel. It was North Korea and South Korea.

11. China was regarded as major world military battle after the Korean War. The War was known for China’s military strength and was regarded as a major military power. China was regarded as major world military battle after the Korean War. The War was known for China’s military strength and was regarded as a major military power. The United States expanded its military expenditure. The United States expanded its military expenditure. The Democratic power stopped, during the Congressional Elections Republicans were taking over. The Democratic power stopped, during the Congressional Elections Republicans were taking over. Finally on April 26, 1953, the Koreas met at a place called Pummonjum and debated for several weeks until they finally signed the treaty. Finally on April 26, 1953, the Koreas met at a place called Pummonjum and debated for several weeks until they finally signed the treaty. The United States had major military losses during the war, including China, South Korea, and North Korea, there was about 1 million deaths. The United States had major military losses during the war, including China, South Korea, and North Korea, there was about 1 million deaths.

12.  The Forgotten War is sometimes described as a battle that happened during the Cold War. It is mostly because it happened during the periods of fighting between America and the Soviet Union. It was also seen as an indirect attack between the two warring nations.  This is the reason it was named the Forgotten War.  This war was also seen as key battle during the Cold War to see if Communism or Capitalism prevails, making it a huge victory for the United States.

13.  THE END