Spread of Communism

China becomes “Red” For nearly two decades, Chinese Communists struggled against the nationalist government of Chiang Kai- Shek. The US supported Chiang Kai- Shek because he was against the spread of Communism

Chaing VS Mao Nationalists Leader – Chiang Kai–shek Communists Leader- Mao Zedong Ruled in Southern China Ruled in Northern China Relied heavily on aid from US Relied heavily on financial support from Soviet Union Struggled with inflation and failing economy Attracted peasants with promises of land reform Suffered from weak leadership and corruption Motivated well trained guerilla army

Renewed Civil War in China Civil war between Mao Zedong’s Communist forces and Chiang Kai-shek’s nationalists forces ensued after WWII In may of 1949, Chiang and his demoralized forces fled China and the People’s Republic of China was created. Despite over $3 Billion in US aid to Nationalist forces, Communism triumphed– containment had failed.

Communism and Korea Korea had been ruled by Japan since 1910 After World War II, the Japanese surrendered Korea As with Germany the Soviet Union was given North Korea, and the US retained control over South Korea The division was made along the 38th Parallel

Korean War By June of 1949 there were only 500 US troops in South Korea The Soviets concluded that the US would not defend its possession in South Korea June 25, 1950, North Korea backed by the Soviets attacked South Korea- Korean War By September 1950, the North Koreans had pushed South Koreans and UN forces to the southern boarder of Korea- Pusan

With MacArthur’s support the UN army chased the North Koreans back across the 38th Parallel, and as far north as Southern China by November of 1950. Fearing further advance into China, Chinese Communists became involved and forced the advancing South Koreans back south of the 38th Parallel.

Stalemate In 1953, the two sides signed an armistice Korea remained divided, North Communist, South Capitalist Nuclear weapons had not been used, despite MacArthur’s urging 54,000 US lives and $67 Billion was wasted Fear regarding the spread of communism grew