Conflict in the Korean Conflict Modern World History WHG USHG 8.1.2

MacArthur vs. Truman General Douglas MacArthur – Commanding General leading UN army President Harry Truman – President of the United States

The Korean War MacArthur lands his army at Inchon The UN army pushes the North Koreans back over the 38 th parallel China comes over border, pushes UN army back

MacArthur’s Proposed Plan Step 1 – Completely occupy North and South Korea (eliminate North Koreans and Chinese) Step 2 – Invade China (a Communist nation) Step 3 – Use nuclear weapons to conquer China (China has none)

You are President Harry Truman. What do you do? A.Let MacArthur do it B.Reject his plan

The Consequences You show you’re tough on Communists China doesn’t have nuclear weapons They got involved in a war that didn’t concern them China is seen as a threat to American values and interests China is allies with the USSR –USSR has the ability to make nuclear weapons MacArthur is extremely popular with American citizens Could potentially start World War 3

Truman’s Decision MacArthur’s plan is considered too dangerous Truman removes MacArthur from command Decision is extremely unpopular Truman’s credibility decreases MacArthur returns to the United States and receives a hero’s welcome