Why did we fight in Korea? Postwar America (1945-1960) Lesson 2 The Korean War Why did we fight in Korea?

Postwar America (1945-1960) Lesson 2 The Korean War Learning Objectives Explain how Mao Zedong and the communists gained power in China. Describe the causes and the reasons for U.S. involvement in the Korean War. Identify the long-term effects and outcomes of the Korean War. Key Terms Jiang Jieshi Mao Zedong 38th parallel Douglas MacArthur limited war Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO)

Communism Spreads in Asia China Turns Communist Communism Spreads in Asia Russian Revolution – 1917 helps spread communism China’s Civil War Jiang Jieshi (Nationalists) vs. Moa Zedong (Communists) USA supported Nationalists – sent billions $ Jiang Regime – Corrupt officials pocketed US money Soviets Support Moa/Communists China Falls to Communism – 1948 Moa created the People’s Republic of China It’s History: Korean War Video

Communists Revolution in China

Korea After World War II Korean History Japan controlled 1905 1945 Yalta Conference Japan ordered to give up Korea Allies divide Korea North/South 38th parallel North – Soviet Union Kim IL Sung – Communism South – America Syngman Rae- Unite Korea N. Korea Invades South Korea -1950 Soviets supplied N. Korean Troops

U.S. Involvement in Korea Containment Truman wants to prevent communism from spreading Remembers failure of appeasement Truman to help S. Korea – sent troops – never formally declared war UN – Supports Truman – Votes to enter the fight against N. Korea USSR did not vote – absent from the meeting. US Attacks Douglas McArthur – leader of the coalition forces against N. Korea Launches a counter attack behind enemy lines June 1950 – N. Invades S. Korea Sept. 1950 – McArthur attacks Inchon Oct 1950 – N. Korea forces retreated Nov. 1950 – China helps N. Korea – allied forces retreated China supported by USSR

Domino Theory

The United States Fights in Korea MacArthur Recommends Attacking China Should the U.S. use Nuclear Weapons? Soviet Alliance Truman – Limited War – Fight to achieve specific goals MacArthur Versus Truman McArthur sends letter to House Leaders Truman fires MacArthur Settling for Stalemate – Re-establishing old boundaries. 38th Parallel

General MacArthur MacArthur said that the UN faced a choice between defeat by the Chinese or a major war with them. He wanted to expand the war by bombing the Chinese mainland, perhaps even with atomic weapons.

Outcomes of the Korean War The Forgotten War Spring 1951 – 1953 Stalemate at the 38th Parallel. Short Term Eisenhower Elected President – 1952 Promised to end the War Threatened to use Atomic Weapons + Death of Joseph Stalin Communists negotiate peace Long Term No clear Victory – 38th Parallel N. Korea remained communists S. Korea allied with USA Increased Military Spending Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) Defensive alliance to prevent spread of communism Pakistan, Thailand, Philippines, Australia, France, Britain, USA

4. Impact of the Korean War Impact of the Korean War a 4. Impact of the Korean War Impact of the Korean War a. Very little settled in Asia b. 1st time UN gets involved in a conflict c. Increase in US defense spending ($22 billion to $50) Military build up d. Increase stockpile of Nukes e. US sets a pattern for involvement in undeclared wars US defense spending ($22 billion to $50) Military build up

Outcomes of the Korean War Analyze Data After the Korean War how much more did the U.S spend on defense than before the war?