1. Cold War Heats Up

2. China Becomes a Communist Country
For two decades, Chinese Communists had struggled against the nationalist government of Chiang Kai-shek
The US supported Chiang
Between the US sent the Nationalists about $3 billion in aid
Many Americans impressed by Chiang and his courage and determination resisting the Japanese during the war, however many US officials found his gov’t to be inefficient and corrupt

3. China Becomes a Communist Country
The Communists led by Mao Zedong gained strength
Worked to win peasant support and encouraged peasants to read, and help food production
As a result more recruits went to the Communists’ Red Army
By 1945, much of Northern China was under Communist control

4. Nationalists V. Communists in China
Ruled in southern and eastern China
Relied heavily on aid from the US
Struggled with inflation and a failing economy
Suffered from weak leadership and poor morale
Ruled in northern China
Relied heavily on financial aid from Soviet Union
Attracted peasants with promises of land reform
Benefited from experienced guerrilla army and a highly motivated leadership
Nationalists: Chiang Kai-shek
Communists- Mao Zedong

5. China Becomes a Communist Country
Communists gained control of mainland China in 1949 and established the People’s Republic of China, driving the Nationalists to flee to the island of Taiwan
The US refused to acknowledge the Communists as the legitimate Chinese government, instead insisting on recognizing the Nationalists on Taiwan as the “true” China, while the Soviets took just the opposite stance

6. What was the American Reaction to Communist Takeover?
Public was stunned- Containment had failed?
Blamed Truman for not giving enough aid
If containing Communism was important in Europe, why wasn’t important in Asia?
State Dept. says couldn’t control the internal forces in China- trying to do more would have started a war- a war that the US wouldn’t want to fight
American fear of Communism will begin to burn out of control
Fear of internal corruption
Will increase even more by the events in Korea

7. The Korean War

8. Split of Korea
Japan had been in Korea from , until the end of WWII
As WWII ended, Japanese troops north of the 38th parallel (38 degree N Latitude) surrendered to the Soviets
Japanese troops south of the 38th surrendered to the Americans
As in Germany, two nations developed, one communist and one democratic

9. Split of Korea
In 1948, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was established in the zone that was occupied by the US
Gov’t headed by Syngman Rhee in Seoul
In response, the Communists formed the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in the north
Kim Il Sung led its gov’t based in Pyongyang

11. The Problem…
North Korea wanted to expand its borders and communism into the south
After WWII, the US had cut back its armed forces in South Korea and by June 1949 they only had about 500 American Troops there
Soviets believed the US would not fight to defend South Korea
On June 25, 1950, with support from the USSR and China, North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel in a surprise attack on S. Korea

12. The Response
The United States asked the UN to remove the North Koreans by force, claiming invasion was a violation of peace
UN sent in troops in support of South Korea (15 UN countries); US comprised of 90% of the UN force

13. July 1, 1950 -troops arrived in Korea, majority American
fought under UN commander American General Douglas MacArthur
US redefined its war aims: Rather than just concentrating on a policy of containment, it decided on a policy of ‘rollback’
meant liberating North Koreans from Communist rule & reuniting Korea
China became concerned for its own security
November 27,1950, a force of 200,000 Chinese joined 150,000 North Koreans & sent the UN troops into a rapid retreat
Within a month MacArthur retook Seoul & drove the North Koreans back to the 38th parallel
Pushed North Koreans as far back as the Yalu River (Korean border w/ China

14. Pyongyang was recaptured by North in December
End of 1950, North & their allies had retaken all land up to the 38th parallel
January 1951: UN forces recovered their technological advantage & the Chinese army was forced to retreat
The UN forces had technological superiority , but Chinese forces were larger in number
Mao provided unlimited numbers of ‘volunteers’ to defeat UN forces
MacArthur suggested the use of nuclear weapons against the Chinese  Truman against this  scared Stalin would retaliate by using it’s own nuclear weapons
MacArthur relieved of command in April 1951 (controversial)

15. End of the Korean War Battle lines stabilized near the 38th parallel
Result in a Stalemate ( )
Stalin did not want to accept a Communist defeat in Korea
His death in March 1953 = critical to the end of the Korean War
Korea no longer regarded as crucial to Soviet Power & influence
New US president was Dwight Eisenhower  election was partly based on withdrawal from Korea

16. The Korean Armistice Agreement:
Suspended open hostilities
Withdrew military forces and equipment from a 4000 meter wide zone (created a buffer between the two zones)
Prevented both sides from entering the air, ground, or seas on opposing sides
Released POWs

17. End of the Korean War
The war ended in a ceasefire; there was no victory
Ended on July 27th, 1953 with a truce; armistice signed
North Korea and South Korea remain divided
Tensions still exist today
Border between North Korea and South Korea is the most heavily militarised border in the world

18. Division between North Korea and South Korea.