Chapter 16 Section 2

1. Chapter 16Section 2 The Korean War

2. Objectives Explain how Mao Zedong and the communists gained power in China. Describe the causes and progress of the war in Korea. Identify the long term effects of the Korea War.

3. The Korean War Europe first focus of Cold War Early 1950s US becomes involved in Korean War East Asia made prime battleground in the long, hard, Cold War struggle.

4. Communists Gain Control of China Since Russian Revolution in 1917: Soviets hoped to spread communism to every corner of world. Training foreigners in Marxist theory and evolutionary strategy Communists confident communism would reach worldwide influence Events in China in 1949 seemed to justify the confidence.

5. Civil War Divides China Mao Zedong Communist leader Jiang Jieshi (Chaing Kai-shek) Nationalist Leader in China Fighting a civil war against communists Temporarily joined forces in uneasy alliance to fight Japan Resumed civil war with a vengeance after war ended

6. Civil War Divides China Soviets supported Mao US sent several billion in aid to Jiang -American leaders feared Jiang’s defeat would create a communist superpower spanning most of Asia Jiang’s regime proved unequal to the task -Nationalist’s generals reluctant to fight -while masses of Chinese faced starvation, corrupt officials diverted US aid into their own pockets Mao won increasing support by promising to feed the people

7. Communists Win in China 1948, Mao’s forces dominate the war Jiang appealed to US for military intervention -US government would not sent troops to support the corrupt Jiang 1949, Jiang fled to an off shore island of Taiwan Mao takes control of world’s most populous country renaming it “People’s Republic of China”

8. Communists Win in China Mao’s victory immense shock to Americans -communists were a sworn enemy of US -communists now controlled about one fourth world’s landmass and one third of world population Americans asked “Who lost China?” -many blamed Truman administration -said failed to give enough support to Jiang.

9. Communists Win in China Secretary of State Dean Acheson argued: “The unfortunate but inescapable fact is that the ominous result of the civil war in China was beyond the control of the government of the United States. Nothing that this country did or could have done within the reasonable limits of its capabilities could have changed the results”

10. Checkpoint Question Why were the communists able to win the Chinese Civil War?

11. Americans Fight in Korea • Focus of attention turns toward Korea • separated from north-east China • by Yalu River • -once controlled by Japan • -divided into two independent • countries by US and Soviet Union • at end of WWII • -dividing line set at 38th parallel of • latitude • In North Korea, Soviets installed communist government and equipped its armed forces. • US provided smaller amts. Of aid to noncommunist South Korea

12. North Korea Invades South Korea American occupation troops stay in South Korea until 1949 -departure coincided with communist victory in China Some after, North Korea begins major military buildup -June 25, 1950, North Korean forces attack across 38th parallel -90,000 North Korean troops armed with powerful tanks and other Soviet weapons -within days northerners overtook South Korea’s capital-Seoul -then set out after South Korean army

13. US Forces Defend South Korea Truman not willing to use a previous unsuccessful policy of appeasement, determined not to repeat history, announced US would aid South Korea UN Security Council unanimously voted to follow US lead -recommended “Members of UN furnish such assistance to Republic of Korea as may be necessary to repel the armed attack and to restore international peace and security in the area”

14. US Forces Defend South Korea Soviets would have used “veto” power to block resolution but boycotting Security Council sessions because UN had refused to seat Mao’s People’s Republic of China

15. US Forces Defend South Korea Did not ask Congress for formal declaration of war -required by the Constitution Supported by UN resolution -ordered American troops stationed in Japan to move to South Korea -soldiers mainly occupation troop -not trained for forced marches in monsoon rains or heavy combat in rice paddies -did not have military equipment needed to stop an invasion

16. US Forces Defend South Korea Short time later, US forces join South Korean allies retreating to southeast corner of peninsula near Pusan. Allies hold fast Fresh supplies and troops arrive from Japan Soldiers from other UN countries join America and South Korean forces.

17. MacArthurDrives Back the North Koreans September 1950, UN forces ready to counterattack General Douglas MacArthur, WWII hero, had bold plan to rid South Korea of invaders Suspected rapid advance of North Koreans left them with limited supply line Decided to strike at weakness, launching surprise attack on port city of Inchon (well behind enemy lines)

18. MacArthurDrives Back the North Koreans Inchon poor landing site (swift currents, treacherous tides); enemy would not expect attack there.

19. MacArthurDrives Back the North Koreans MacArthur’s gamble paid off September 15, 1950, US Marines landed at Inchon -launched attack into rear guard of North Koreans -Communist forces began fleeing for North Korean border By October, 1950 North Koreans driven north of 38th parallel

20. MacArthurDrives Back the North Koreans With North Korean retreat, US had to decide what to do next Should UN mandate be declared accomplished and war ended? Should forces be sent across 38th parallel to punish Communists for invasion?

21. MacArthurDrives Back the North Koreans Truman concerned about China’s reaction if US carried war into North Korea Chinese leaders had publicly warned US not to advance near its borders MacArthur assured Truman China would not intervene -based on this advice, US push a resolution through UN -called for “unified, independent, and democratic” Korea

22. China Forces Stalemate Confident MacArthur attacked north of 38th parallel -mountainous terrain and freezing temps -by Thanksgiving reach Chinese border at Yalu River On November 25, 1950, 300,000+ Chinese soldiers attack South Korean and US positions Badly outnumbered, UN troops retreat

23. China Forces Stalemate • US confronted with major land war in Asia • to win must commit number of • troops and even atomic weapons • -Truman ruled both out • -MacArthur enraged”; distrusted • Truman’s “limited war” with • specific goals; • favored total victory • -MacArthur bypasses Truman; • sends letter to House of • Representatives attacking • Truman’s policies

24. China Forces Stalemate Letter becomes public, Truman fires MacArthur for insubordination Huge outcry in US, MacArthur returns home a national hero

25. Checkpoint Question How did President Truman react to the North Korean invasion of South Korea?

26. The Korean War Has Lasting Effects By spring 1951, Allied forces regrouped and stabilized position near 38th parallel Stalemate lasted until 1953 -fought small, bloody battles with limited results -diplomates tried to devise an acceptable peace agreement

27. The War Becomes a Political Issue • Stalemate key issue in 1952 election • Ike promised if elected would end war • After election, visited Korea • Spoke to troops • Studied enemy fortifications • Convinced only strong action would break stalemate • When peace talks failed; hinted might intro nuclear • weapons • The warning, plus death of Stalin, convinced communists to settle conflict. • July 27, 1953, two sides sign cease-fire • Still in effect today!

28. Examining the Lessons of the Korean War There was no victory. Long-term Results: Truman committed US troops without congressional declaration of war -sets a precedent that future presidents would follow Korean War led to increased military spending -by 1960, military spending accounted for nearly half of federal budget -more than a million US soldiers were stationed around the world 3. A new alliance underscored US interest in Asia -like NATO, the SOUTHEAST ASIA TREATY ORGANIZATION (SEATO) became a defensive alliance to prevent spread of communism -members Pakistan, Thailand, Phillippines, Australia, New Zealand, France. Britain, and the US

29. Checkpoint Question What were the important results of US participation in the Korea War?