The Forgotten War The Unknown War Korean War 1950-1953
Korea Under Japan After Russo-Japanese War annexed by Japan in 1910 Educated and Wealthy begin to flee 1930s used as forced labor Comfort Women: women taken from homes by Japanese throughout conquered areas
During WWII Soviet’s accept the Japanese surrender North of the 38th parallel August 10, 1945 US accepts it south of the 38th parallel Sept. 9, 1945 Divide by natural geography Seoul capital South; Pyongyang (Peon yang) capital North Korea in famine and depression
War Begins 1st war conflict of the Cold War Proxy War: U.S. and Soviets are not directly fighting each other First desegregated war for U.S.
Korean War Negotiations for elections to unite Korea fail in 1948 North Korea becomes communist and tensions build June 25, 1950-July 27, 1953 North Korea invades South Korea June 25 U.N. and US come in on the side of South China comes in on the side of North in Oct. 1950 (Soviet gives air support) Undeclared war/U.N. action Police action: violation of international law, U.N. “polices” the situation Mix of air and trench warfare
Korean Leaders Syngman Rhee South Korea Kim Il Sung (1948-1994) North Korea Kim Jong Il (1994-2011) Kim Jong Un
Our Advancement Once China joins the war becomes more complicated U.S. successfully advanced to North then get pushed back
Inchon Landing Sept. 1950 Helped recapture capital of Seoul Cut off North Korea supply lines Major U.N. victory
General MacArthur General MacArthur Argues with Truman over using atomic bomb against China Dismissed in 1951 as general Replaced by Ridgway July 1951-July 1953 stalemate
The End Stays divided 38th Parallel North Korea Communist South Korea like U.S. U.S. Casualties ~36,500 KIA ~92,000 Wounded
Who was right- Truman or MacArthur? Current Conflicts?