The Forgotten War
Mao Zedong (Communist) Chiang Kai-shek (Nationalist) 1949 communist defeat nationalists in China US fear alliance between USSR and China US became allies with Japan
Refused to recognize People’s Republic of China Cut off trade with China Did not want them to join UN Contain China by isolating them Public viewed China as the enemy
Korea freed from Japan post WWII 38 th Parallel Soviet – North US – South Northern troops invade the south Unite all of Korea under communism Truman wanted US to support the South Looked to the UN for help Called upon members to support the South Douglas MacArthur would lead the forces
MacArthur pushes north to Chinese border China sends 400,00 troops Troops pushed back to 38 th parallel MacArthur vs. Truman Two years of stalemate 1953 armistice signed 38 th parallel – demilitarized zone (DMZ) 3.5 million North and South Korean causalities 2 million civilians assumed died 54,000 American soldiers killed