The Cold War Heats Up

Nationalists Communists Chiang Kai-shek Supported by the U.S. Some questionable activities Mao Zedong Helped peasants Started to gain recognition China: a Communist Country

Civil War in China U.S. sends $2 billion worth of military supplies to the Nationalists Communist won power and established the People’s Republic of China  Nationalists had weak military leaders and no support from the peasants Peoples Republic of China  U.S. did not recognize as China’s true government U.S. citizens upset that this happened Felt that Truman did not do enough After this, many people felt that communists were in the U.S. government

Korean War

At the end of WWII, troops in North of the 38 th Parallel surrendered to the Soviets Troops South of the parallel surrendered to the Americans  Two nations develop: one communist, one democratic South KoreaNorth Korea Republic of Korea Leader = Syngman Rhee Capital = Seoul Communist People’s Republic of Korea Leader = Kim II Jung Capital = Pyongyang

North Korea Attacks South Korea June 25, 1950, surprise attack on South Korea  Start of Korean War Truman orders troops to help South Korea  Under command of General Mac Arthur June 1950 North Korea attacks South Korea and takes the capital September 1950 North Korea pushes South Korea and UN troops to the perimeter September – October 1950 MacArther performs counter attack. North Korean troops trapped and some surrender. Others push bac behind the parallel. They take North Koreas capital. November 1950 Chinese join North Korea and drive forces to the South. Chinese had more soldiers.

The war became between the Chinese and the United States For two years the powers went back and forth MacArthur recommends attacking China  Wanted to use nuclear weapons  Truman rejected the idea in fear it would start WWIII  China was backed by Soviet Union MacArthur tries to go over the head of the President  April 11, 1951 Truman fires MacArthur  People mad

Settle for Stalemate Soviet Union suggests cease fire on June 23, 1951 July 1953 and armistice was signed  Communism contained without the use of nuclear weapons  There are still two nations Dwight D. Eisenhower elected in 1952  Hunt for communism