II. Korean War

A. Background When WWII ends, Korea is DIVIDED along 38 th parallel. Both Korea’s want RE- UNIFICATION

Korea Divided North – Kim Il Sung vs. South – Sigmund Rhee Communist – supported by Stalin Dictator --- supported by USA

Goal for Both Korean Leaders Re-unite Korea Stalin agrees to request by Kim Il Sung To Attack South Korea – massive Soviet military aid provided

June 1950 Invasion ! Phase One Invasion across 38 th Parallel Invasion across 38 th Parallel NK Communists Push S.Korean Army & US forces back NK Communists Push S.Korean Army & US forces back US and South Korean forces are ill-equipped, unprepared – they RUN ! US and South Korean forces are ill-equipped, unprepared – they RUN !

Goals Soviet Goal: 1. Spread COMMUNISM in Asia -- assist other communist nations U.S. Goals: 1. Stop communism – SHOW Soviets that US will fight 2. Keep this war LIMITED = this is the 1 st “limited war” of the Cold War the Cold War

Pusan Perimeter “The Last Stand” Pusan Perimeter “The Last Stand” Phase Two  Pusan perimeter – last hold- out for US forces  United Nations condemns North Korean attack– UN sends forces from 16 countries, to help US

UN/US Counter-Attack Phase Three Phase Three General Douglas MacArthur commands: “Give me 1 st Marine Division to do what they do best” General Douglas MacArthur commands: “Give me 1 st Marine Division to do what they do best” Amphibious landing at Inchon

US/UN Pursuit Phase Four Phase Four Now it is the turn for North Koreans to run – back to the north Now it is the turn for North Koreans to run – back to the north US/UN forces pursue MacArthur wants to eliminate communist North Korea -- “Win the war” US/UN forces pursue MacArthur wants to eliminate communist North Korea -- “Win the war” RISKY ! RISKY !

China is Communist Corrupt “Nationalist” Chiang Kai Shek was defeated in 1949 China led by Mao Zedong

Truman meets with MacArthur Truman: “Will the Chinese intervene to help North Koreans ?” Chinese have million-man army poised just miles away from unaware American G.I.’s Chinese have million-man army poised just miles away from unaware American G.I.’s It’s November G.I.’s are talking about “being home for Christmas” as they eat hot turkey dinners in North Korea It’s November G.I.’s are talking about “being home for Christmas” as they eat hot turkey dinners in North Korea MacArthur: “No Mr. President – don’t worry about the Chinese” MacArthur: “No Mr. President – don’t worry about the Chinese”

Surprise ! Phase Five Phase Five 600,000 Chinese Communist troops launch massive ambush – for second time, Americans run in Korea ! 600,000 Chinese Communist troops launch massive ambush – for second time, Americans run in Korea ! Embarrassed MacArthur calls for using nuclear weapons – Embarrassed MacArthur calls for using nuclear weapons – “Let’s eliminate the Red Menace in China, while we’re at it !” says MacArthur “Let’s eliminate the Red Menace in China, while we’re at it !” says MacArthur

Who’s in charge here ? President Truman: “No General – this war stays limited – just hold South Korea” President Truman: “No General – this war stays limited – just hold South Korea” Gen. MacArthur – complains to the media: “This is no way to win a war !” Gen. MacArthur – complains to the media: “This is no way to win a war !” President Truman: “Follow your orders General and keep your opinion to yourself !” President Truman: “Follow your orders General and keep your opinion to yourself !” MacArthur repeats call to use Nuc’s on China, in the media MacArthur repeats call to use Nuc’s on China, in the media

Truman: “You’re Fired MacArthur !”

Stalemate in Korea ! Phase Six Phase Six New US Commander stabilizes the front line New US Commander stabilizes the front line Korea turns into “trench warfare” stalemate – this suits Stalin to see Americans bogged down in costly war Korea turns into “trench warfare” stalemate – this suits Stalin to see Americans bogged down in costly war Fighting drags on – 2 years ! Fighting drags on – 2 years !

B. Outcome The war ends in a TRUCE at the ORIGINAL border Korea remains divided TODAY

C. American Controversy Over “LIMITED WARS” Korea was the first limited war DEFINITION: 1. RESTRICTED to smaller region; avoid expanding the SIZE SIZE 2. No NUCLEAR weapons used 3. No DECLARATION of war & no peace TREATY 4. US will support oppressive DICTATORS so long as they are anti-communist they are anti-communist 5. Avoid direct US-Soviet COMBAT  Nuclear war

General Douglas MacArthur He resists concept of “limited war” – he wants to invade CHINA Truman FIRES MacArthur as US/UN commander when be publicly challenged the President (Commander-in-Chief) = This challenges CIVILIAN (President) CONTROL of the US military

Stalin dies – 1953 Truce Signed = “cease fire” but its no peace treaty

Cold War continues in Korea So-called “Demilitarized Zone” (DMZ) is heavily armed, guarded US troops are still in South Korea Cold War continues in Korea So-called “Demilitarized Zone” (DMZ) is heavily armed, guarded US troops are still in South Korea

Sometimes – North Korea sends little reminders: “Don’t forget about us, we’re still here !”

North Korea has its own way of preparing for another Invasion “Got a shovel ?”

Intelligence Estimate: 30 unknown North Korean tunnels

And don’t forget: “Two if by Sea!” South Korean Navy intercepts communist infiltrators on subs

What’s Next ? North Korea is developing nuclear weapons and Long-range missiles