Europe had been the first focus of the Cold War. In the early 1950’s, U.S. involvement in the Korean War made East Asia the prime battleground in the long, hard Cold War struggle. The division between North and South Korea remains a source of international tension today.

Since the Russian Revolution in 1917, the SU had hoped to spread communism to every corner of the world. Nationalist leader Jiang Jieshi, known in the U.S. as Chiang Kai-Shek, had been fighting a civil war against communists led by Mao Zedong. The SU supported Mao, while the U.S. sent several billion dollars in aid to Jiang. – Many Chinese faced starvation while corrupt officials diverted U.S. aid into their own pockets. – By promising to feed the people, Mao won increased support.

Jiang asks for U.S. military help but Mao’s forces dominated the war. Jiang fled the Chinese mainland, taking control of the large offshore island of Taiwan. Mao’s communists then took control of the world’s most populous country, renaming in the People’s Republic of China. Americans were shocked, not just because China was now an enemy but because communist regimes controlled about 1/3 of the world’s population. Many Americans blamed the Truman administration, saying the U.S. failed to give enough support to Jiang.

Korea was once controlled by Japan and had been divided into two independent countries by the U.S. and the SU after WWII. – The dividing line was set at the 38 th parallel of latitude. In North Korea, the Soviets installed a communist government and equipped its armed forces. The U.S. provided smaller amounts of aid to noncommunist South Korea.

American occupation troops remained in SK until June, – Their departure coincided with the communist victory in China. – Soon after, NK began a major military buildup. June 25, 1950, NK forces attacked across the 38 th parallel. 90,000 NK troops were armed with powerful tanks and other Soviet weapons. Within days, the northerners overtook the SK capital city of Seoul and set out after the retreating SK army.

Truman recalled how the policy of appeasement had failed to check the German aggression that sparked WWII. Determined that history would not repeat itself, he announced that the U.S. would aid SK. The UN Security Council unanimously voted to follow Truman’s lead. Truman did not ask Congress for a formal declaration of war. Truman ordered American troops stationed in Japan to move to SK. – The troops were mainly occupation troops and had not been trained for forced marches in monsoon rains or heavy combat in rice paddies, nor did they have the equipment to stop an invasion.

He had a bold plan to drive the invaders from SK. He suspected that the rapid advance of NK troops had left NK with limited supply lines. He decided to strike at this weakness by launching a surprise attack on the port city of Inchon, well behind enemy lines. Sept. 1950, U.S. Marines landed and attacked the rear guard of the NK. Communist forces began fleeing for the NK border. By Oct. 1950, NK had been driven back north of the 38 th parallel.

MacArthur attacked north of the 38 th parallel. The advance had reached the Chinese border at the Yalu River. Nov. 25, 1950, some 300,000 Chinese soldiers attacked SK and U.S. positions. The troops were forced back. China was now in the war. Truman had a policy of “limited war”.

Spring, 1951 U.S. and U.N. forces had regrouped and stabilized their position near the 38 th parallel. The stalemate lasted until Key issue in the presidential election of – Eisenhower promised to end the war if he was elected. – He visited Korea, spoke with troops, and studied the enemy’s fortifications.

With peace talks failing, Eisenhower hinted at using nuclear weapons. That warning, along with the death of Stalin, convinced the communists to settle the conflict. On July 27, 1953 the two sides signed a cease-fire which is still in effect today. There was no victory in the Korean War. – NK remained a communist country allied with the SU and China. – SK remained a noncommunist country allied to the U.S. – The two Koreas remain divided along the 38 th parallel. Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) was a defensive alliance aimed at preventing the spread of communism. – Members include Pakistan, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, France, Britain, and the United States.

Immediate effects – 37,000 Americans killed – 103,000 Americans wounded – Relations with China worsen Long-term effects – Military spending increases – Military commitments increase worldwide – Relations with Japan improve – Future presidents send military into combat without Congressional approval