China, Korea and the US Policy of Containment

China - Prior to WWII Nationalists (Chiang Kai-shek) vs. Communists (Mao Zedong) Nationalists in control - attempt to “wipe out” Communists Corrupt government

A Common Enemy Nationalists and Communists team up to fight Japanese. In 1930’s, Japan took over Manchuria Established state of Manchukuo. Communists ally with Chinese peasants.

Victory Because of their unification, the Chinese defeat the Japanese. Celebration is short lived. After WWII, Nationalists and Communists begin fighting again.

US Lends a Hand US supports Chiang Kai-shek and the Nationalists They aren’t communist Give approx. $3 billion in aid Civil War in China By 1945 - N. China under Communist control

A New Leadership By 1949, the Nationalists have been defeated. Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan. October 1, 1949: People’s Republic of China is established. Mao Zedong leader

Reaction to End of Civil War US refuses to recognize new Chinese government Chinese creates pact with Soviet Union

Korea The Forgotten War

Korea under Japanese Control 1910 - 1945 Japan ruled Korea Post WWII: Japan troops north of 38th parallel surrender to Soviets Japan troops south of 38th parallel surrender to US Korea becomes two nations

Democratic vs. Communist South = Democratic US slowly pulls troops out, leaves South on own North = Communist Soviets have great influence Soviets don’t think US will defend South

Korean Conflict Soviets plan to take over full peninsula June 25, 1950 - North attacks South South appeals to United Nation Vote to help South June 27 - US sends in troops 16 nations help Korea with troops & aid 90% of troops come from US Led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur

Korea - Not a War Congress never declared war in Korea Truman uses executive action to send troops US not in a war, but “involved in a United Nations police action”

Conflict - Stage 1 North has advantage North quickly moves South North captures Seoul South pushed to small area

Conflict - Stage 2 MacArthur counterattack Surprise landing behind enemy lines North retreats, UN forces chase them Very close to Yalu River - border with China

Conflict - Stage 3 China enters Don’t want Americans at their border Need a buffer state Capture Seoul - again Stalemate ensues

Conflict - Stage 4 MacArthur wants to attack China with atomic weapons Truman refuses China/Soviet pact - if attack China, could start WWIII Truman fires MacArthur

The Results Communism is contained without the use of atomic weapons North and South Korea continue to be divided at the 38th parallel

The End June 23, 1951 - Soviets suggest cease fire Divide at existing battle line Establish demilitarized zone July 1953 - armistice finally signed