The Cold War Heats Up

Civil War in China During WWII- A Japanese invasion interrupted a long Chinese Civil War Communists vs. Nationalists Communist leader- Mao Zedong Nationalist leader- Chiang Kai-shek U.S. aids the nationalists

Civil War in China US military officials didn’t like Chiang Found his govmt dictatorial, inefficient, and hopelessly corrupt Policies of Chiang undermined the Nationalists

Examples of Chiang’s Policies collected a grain tax from farmers during a famine Secret police fired against protesters protesting against a 10,000% increase in the price of rice

Civil War in China Communists skillful in winning support of the peasants Communists would redistribute land to peasants and reduce rents

Fighting Breaks Out As soon as Japanese left China-civil war resumed Americans favored the nationalists because they opposed communists 1944 to 47 US tried to play peacemaker between 2 groups- while still supporting nationalists Truman refused to commit American soldiers US sent $2 billion worth of military equipment and supplies

Fighting Breaks Out Nationalist problems: –Weak military leadership –Corrupt –Abusive practices drove peasants to the communists May Chiang and the remnants of his govmt and army fled to Taiwan –An island east of mainland China

America Reacts to Communist Takeover American public stunned Containment failed Congress attack Truman for not supplying enough aid to Chiang Shouldn’t containment be important in Asia as well as Europe? Many claimed the US “lost” China Said American govmt was riddled with Communist agents American fear of Communism grew

Koreans go to War Japan ruled Korea until 1945 Japanese north of 38 th parallel surrendered to Russians South of 38 th parallel surrendered to the US

Koreans go to War 38 th parallel not intended as a permanent boundary 2 different nations emerged-one communist, one not South Korea becomes Republic of Korea-headed by Syngman Rhee

Koreans go to War North becomes Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Headed by Kim Il Sung By US and Soviets had left Korea Each govmt claimed sole right to rule all Korea

North Korea Attacks South Korea June 25, 1950 North invades South-Begins Korean War Americans alarmed that another Asian nation may fall to communism Truman decides to take military action June 27, 1950-UN pledges to help South Korea 16 nations with 520,000 troops assist South Korea –Under command of Douglas MacArthur

US Fights in Korea NK unstoppable at 1 st After 1 month- UN troops forced to small defensive zone around Pusan

MacArthur’s Counterattack MacArthur launches counterattack Sept 15, 1950 UN troops land at Inchon Other troops move north from Pusan North Koreans trapped in the middle

MacArthur’s Counterattack Many NK troops surrendered Many fled back behind 38 th parallel 10/7/1950- UN recommends MacArthur cross 38 th parallel and reunite Korea China warned that they would not stand by and let the Americans come to the border-the Yalu River MacArthur dismisses Chinese threat

The Chinese Fight Back 11/25/ ,000 Chinese move into NK By Christmas, Chinese force UN forces 100 miles south of 38 th parallel 2 more years neither side able to make an advance

MacArthur Recommends Attacking China Calls for extension of war into China-to end the stalemate Blockade Chinese coast Use atomic bombs on China Use Chiang Kai Shek’s troops to invade southern China Truman rejects MacArthur’s request Didn’t want US involved in a massive land war in Asia Soviets had a mutual assistance pact with the Chinese –Could set off WWIII

MacArthur Recommends Attacking China Instead of attacking China – UN forces advance against Korean forces Retake Seoul Moved back up to the 38 th parallel

Settling for a Stalemate Soviets suggest a cease-fire on June 23, 1951 Truce talks began in July 1951

Settling for a Stalemate By following Spring, opposing sides agreed on 2 points: 1. Location of the ceasefire line at the existing battle line 2. Establish a demilitarized zone between the opposing sides July two sides sign an armistice ending the war Basically ended in a stalemate

American Victory? Communism contained without a world war No use of atomic weapons –Although the threat of using them helped break a negotiation deadlock

Communist Victory? North Korea still communist Still 2 Koreas rather than 1

Effects of Korean War 54,000 Americans killed Cost between $20 and $22 billion High cost of war led to rejection of Democratic party in 1952 –Election of Dwight D. Eisenhower as President –Increased fear of communist aggression –Prompted a hunt for spies