1. The Korean War “The Forgotten War” 1950-1953

2. Korea: Background 1945: US and USSR divided Korea to decolonize Korea, prepare for elections Kim Il-sung: Soviet-trained leader installed in North Korea Harry Truman: VP under FDR, elected only narrowly in 1948 1949: Chinese Revolution implied spread of “communism” MacArthur: war hero from WW2, believed in fighting toward total victory

3. Events of Korean War June 1950: North Korea, with Soviet permission, invaded to Pusan UN response –Truman knew US could not afford to keep troops in both Korea and Europe –USSR boycotted UN because of absence of People’s Republic of China –UN Security Council authorized use of force to restore North-South border MacArthur: Landing at Inchon, hoping to take all of Korea UN pushed North Korean forces into North, near Yalu River

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5. PRC Enters Conflict With entry of PR of China: Truman decided to settle for defense of original border MacArthur aimed to take all of Korea, asked for permission to bomb China Truman fired MacArthur despite public support for MacArthur Chinese-North Korean troops pushed south across Seoul UN troops pushed back north across Seoul to current armistice line

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7. “End” of War War “ended” as a stalemate. Truce signed 1953. Official state of war continues today. North Korea has remained secretive, closed, and “communist” South Korea has grown into a powerful, democratic, capitalist nation 35,000 US troops remain on large military bases in South Korea

8. Implications The USSR and China were intending to spread communism beyond their borders The US would fight to “contain” communism –Global realities limited US action (US could not invade China, USSR) –The US would not use nuclear weapons except in response to nuclear attack Cold War battles could begin at any time in nearly any country –The US and USSR needed to support countries before attacks took place –The US and USSR needed armies ready for immediate use