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Explore the pivotal events of the Korean War and understand its lasting importance in global history. From the initial conflict to the Truman-MacArthur dispute and the ceasefire, analyze why this war still matters in contemporary times.
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The Korean War Why does it matter today?
I. Background • During WWII, Russian troops occupied N. Korea and US troops in S. Korea • 1949, both set up rival regimes at 38th parallel • US determined Korea outside of essential defense perimeter
II. Fighting Begins • N. Korea and Soviet-made tanks invade (phase 1) • Truman implemented NSC-68 • UN condemnation and support for S. Korea • UN put Truman and MacArthur in charge of war • September 1950: N. Korea had nearly all of peninsula (phase 2)
III. UN Counterattack • MacArthur’s surprise landing at Inchon • Pushes N. Koreans back toward Chinese border (phase 3) • UN calls for unified Korea • Chinese respond and force UN to 38th parallel (phase 4)
IV. MacArthur vs. Truman • MacArthur wants to invade China • Truman wants “limited war” • MacArthur disobeys orders from President • Truman fires MacArthur • Significance: constitutional principle of civilian control of military is reaffirmed
V. End of War • 2 years of negotiations • Eisenhower wins 1952 election on Korean War platform • 1953 cease-fire still in effect today • DMZ established at 38th parallel with US troops still present • 4 million dead • No clear conclusion • US successfully enforced “containment” policy
Memory Aid for Cold War under President Truman: • Truman’s Truman Doctrine, 1947 • Muscles Marshall Plan, 1947 • Brought Berlin Crisis, 1948-49 • Nasty NATO, 1948 • China China becomes communist, 1949 • Across Atomic bomb exploded by Soviets, 1949 • Korea Korean War, 1950-53