Korea and the US Policy of Containment 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