Japan was forced to give up colonial holdings following their defeat in World War II. By 1947, the 38 th parallel had been established for the removal of Japanese soldiers. Russia was responsible for North Korea and the U.S. for South Korea. The Cold War is established in Asia!!

The Korean War began as a civil war between North Korea, who were backed by (Communist) Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and South Korea, who were supported by The United Nations which was being supported by The United States. The 38 th Parallel, which was only supposed to be temporary became the dividing line between Communism and Democracy.

On June 25,1950 North Korea crossed the 38 th Parallel and invaded South Korea and by September had pushed South Korean soldiers to the southern region of Pusan. The combined forces of several United Nations countries, led by the U.S, come to the aid of South Korea. Fighting lasted until July 1953, when an armistice was agreed upon.

The United Nations and the U.S. began to fear the spread of Communist influences from China and the Soviet Union on Korea. The DMZ was established and with agreement from the U.S. backed South Korean government, U.S. troops were stationed in order to maintain peace in the area.

In the late 1880’s Vietnam becomes an imperial colony under the French government. The country is unified under a French governor. Following WWI & WWII, the people of Vietnam begin to fight for their independence. By 1954, the French leave Vietnam….and it becomes a U.S. concern.

Dating back to the beginning of World War II, Communist Ho Chi Minh begins to push for removal of all French influence in Vietnam. The French, backed by the help of the U.S. fight to keep the Communist from unifying North and South Vietnam

In 1954 Vietnam is divided, much like Korea, along the 17 th Parallel. The U.S. backs a democratic South Vietnam election and blocks a country-wide election for fear that Communist backed Ho Chi Minh may win the election due to his popularity for defeating the French. By 1964, U.S. troops are sent to aid South Vietnam in a civil war againist North Vietnam

The United States government leaders greatest fear following World War II is known as the “domino theory”. This was the belief that when one country or area of the world, “FELL” to communism then other countries or surrounding areas would as well.

PARAGRAPH WRITING: On a separate sheet of paper, write a paragraph on your opinion of these two wars. How much of an impact do you think that the events that led to World War I and World War II played in the United States response to Communism in Asia?