Postwar America (1945-1960) Lesson 2 The Korean War

Postwar America (1945-1960) Lesson 2 The Korean War Learning Objectives Explain how Mao Zedong and the communists gained power in China. Describe the causes and the reasons for U.S. involvement in the Korean War. Identify the long-term effects and outcomes of the Korean War.

Postwar America (1945-1960) Lesson 2 The Korean War Key Terms Jiang Jieshi Mao Zedong 38th parallel Douglas MacArthur limited war Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO)

China Turns Communist Europe had been the first focus of the Cold War. But in the early 1950s, U.S. involvement in the Korean War made East Asia the prime battleground in the long, hard Cold War struggle. The division between North and South Korea remains a source of international tension today.

China Turns Communist U.S. Policy During China’s Civil War China Falls to Communism

China Turns Communist Jiang Jieshi – (Chiang Kai-shek) nationalist leader of China Mao Zedong – Communist leader of China Joined forces to stop Japan – now fighting again Jiang took American money and made himself rich while Mao promised to feed the people Mao won and Jiang fled to Taiwan Truman’s fault!

China Turns Communist Jiang Jieshi, shown with his U.S.-educated wife Soong May-ling, led a nationalist Chinese government that attracted Western support.

U.S. Involvement in Korea The focus of attention turned to the peninsula of Korea, separated from northeast China by the Yalu River. Once controlled by Japan, Korea had been divided into two independent countries by the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II. The dividing line was set at the 38th parallel. The Soviets installed a communist government and equipped the armed forces in North Korea. The United States provided smaller amounts of aid to noncommunist South Korea.

U.S. Involvement in Korea North Korea Invades South Korea Reasons for U.S. Involvement The U.S. and Its Allies Counterattack Truman and MacArthur Disagree on Military Goals

US Involvement in Korea US and USSR divided Korea in two after WWII (just like Germany) along the 38th parallel North became communist and south became democratic. Supposed to be a unification election but never happened (just like Poland) 1950, North Korean leader Kim Il-sung attacked. UN War Resolution South Korea and US forces held out at Pusan MacArthur attacked at Inchon and cut off NK supplies Truman wanted limited war – MacArthur wanted total victory Pushed NK back to Yalu River (China) China attacked and pushed US back MacArthur fired – violated UN resolution

U.S. Involvement in Korea Analyze Maps This map shows the Korean peninsula as war began. Which countries border North Korea?

U.S. Involvement in Korea A U.S. soldier aims a missile while his fellow soldiers take cover during a Korean War battle. For President Truman, supporting South Korea in the Korean War was about stopping the spread of communism.

Outcomes of the Korean War By the spring of 1951, Allied forces had regrouped and stabilized their position near the 38th parallel. The stalemate lasted until 1953. During that time, the two sides fought small, bloody battles with limited results. At the same time, diplomats tried to devise an acceptable peace agreement.

Outcomes of the Korean War Short-Term Outcomes of the Korean War Long-Term Outcomes of the Korean War

Outcomes of the Korean War China took command of North efforts Stalemate along the 38th parallel Eisenhower negotiated a cease fire It still holds today Most conflicts now are resolutions, not declaration of war. Today – both countries separated by DMZ (2.5 miles) Kim Il-sung (1994), Kim Jong-il (2011), and now Kim Jong- un

Outcomes of the Korean War Analyze Data After the Korean War how much more did the U.S spend on defense than before the war?

Outcomes of the Korean War Ongoing military exercises between U.S. and South Korean forces, such as these on the Namhan River, emphasize the U.S. commitment to the safety and security of the South Korean people.

Quiz: China Turns Communist Why did the United States support Jiang Jieshi during the Chinese civil war? A. He promised to end starvation in China. B. He was fighting against communist forces in China. C. He had supported the United States in previous conflicts. D. He wanted to reform the corrupt Nationalist political system.

Quiz: U.S. Involvement in Korea How did the United States’ involvement in Korea differ from previous wars? A. Truman instituted the first military draft. B. It defied the agreements of the UN resolution. C. Truman did not ask Congress for a formal declaration of war. D. It sent troops into forced marches and heavy combat.

Quiz: Outcomes of the Korean War What led the communists to agree to a cease-fire in Korea? A. the Soviet decision to radically change military policy B. the decision to divide Korea at the 38th parallel C. the United States’ heavy bombing of North Korea D. the warning that nuclear weapons might be used