The Korean War

Communists Gain Control of China Soviets were confident that communism would reach worldwide influence. In 1949, events in China seemed to justify their confidence.

Civil War Divides China Jiang Jieshi- known in the U.S. as Chiang Kai-shek, had been fighting a civil war against communists led by Mao Zedong. Although Jiang and Mao temporarily joined forces in an uneasy alliance to fight Japan, the civil war resumed with a new fury after the war ended. The Soviet Union supported Mao, while the United States sent several billion dollars in aid to Jiang.

Communists Win in China The communist party, led by Mao, defeated the Nationalists, led by Chiang Kai Shek in 1949. Mao and his party won all of mainland China, and Chiang and the Nationalists fled to Taiwan (where it is still a separate country to this very day, known as Chinese Taipei).

Americans Fight in Korea Focus to Peninsula of Korea separated from northeast China by the Yalu River. Once controlled by Japan, Korea had been divided into two independent countries by the United States and the Soviet Union after WWII. The dividing line was set at the 38th parallel of latitude.

North Korea Invades South Korea June 25, 1950 North Korean forces attacked across the 38th parallel. 90,000 North Korean troops were armed and overtook the South Korean capital city of Seoul and set out after the retreating South Korean Army.

U.S. Forces Defend South Korea President Truman announced that U.S. would aid South Korea.

MacArthur Drives Back the North Koreans Surprised the North Koreans at Inch’on and the communist forces fled to North Korea. MacArthur convinced Truman that the Chinese would not intervene, and the U.S. hoped to establish a democratic unified Korea. General George MacArthur led the UN forces on an attack at the Battle of Inchon. The Battle was a success and MacArthur was able to move in and route much of the North Korean army. He soon had retaken control of the city of Seoul as well as South Korea back up to the 38th parallel.

MacArthur continued to be aggressive and pushed the North Koreans all the way to the northern border. However, the Chinese were not happy with this and sent their army to enter the war. At this point President Truman replaced MacArthur with General Matthew Ridgway. (not in book)

China Forces a Stalemate MacArthur attacked north of the 38th parallel. Allies advance the Chinese border at Yalu River. 300,000 Chinese soldiers attacked South Korean and U.S position. China now in war MacArthur favored invasion of China Truman policy of limited war MacArthur was let go for insubordination after writing letter to House of disagreement.

The Korean War Has Lasting Effects Ridgway fortified the border just north of the 38th Parallel. Here the two sides would battle for the rest of the war. North Korea would attack the south at various points and the UN army would retaliate trying to prevent more attacks.

The War Becomes a Political Issue President Eisenhower promised if elected he would end the war. Negotiations continued for much of the war, but President Truman did not want to appear weak. When Eisenhower became president, he was much more willing to offer concessions to end the war. On July 27, 1953 a treaty was signed that ended the war. Few things had changed as a result of the war. Both countries would remain independent and the border would remain at the 38th parallel. However, between the two countries a 2 mile demilitarized zone was placed to act as a buffer in hopes to prevent future wars.

Examining the Lessons of the Korean War North Korea remained communist South Korea remained democratic The U.S. presidency enlarged its powers to commit troops to war. Southeast Asia Treaty Organization was defensive alliance aimed at preventing the spread of communism.