Korean War 1950-1953 Objective: Demonstrate an understanding of how the Korean War resulted in a further heightening of Cold War tensions

Who Lost China? Chiang Kai-shek (nationalists) and Mao Zedong (communists) continued civil war post-WWII Chiang Kai-shek’s forces fled to Taiwan in 1949

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

Truman Responds Avoid appeasement and fate of League Contain Communism Korea confirms containment doctrine idea that can’t relax our guard w/o Comm. aggression Chance to implement NSC-68 Demonstrate that Democrats are not “soft” on Communism

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%

MacArthur vs. Truman MacArthur Truman disagrees 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

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

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

Effects… Reinforces Containment policy 54,246 American troops killed 103,284 wounded and missing $54 billion cost Reinforces Containment policy NSC-68’s 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

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 don’t like? When should we use military intervention? What criteria should be considered before taking military action? What type of military action should be taken?