1. Australia’s Response to Communism in Asia The Korean War

2. Often referred to as “the forgotten war” because of it’s comparison to 2 world wars and Vietnam War began when communist N. Korea, backed by Soviet Union, invaded S. Korea in JUNE 1950, with a disagreement over who facilitated elections in S. Korea

3. U.N Response U.N responded by sending forces of 15 nations, including Australia, to counterattack U.N forces had to slowly fight back up the Korean Peninsula

4. Moving Lines There were advances and retreats on both sides

6. China entered war in November 1950 U.N forces reached and took back N. Korean capital Pyongyang, only to be driven back into S. Korea by Chinese troops Chinese troops experienced, used human wave attacks to force the U.N troops so far back into S. Korea that the S. Korean capital, Seoul, fell U.N forces counterattacked and pushed them back to the 38 th parallel – a U.N designated border between N. & S. Korea

7. Fighting Conditions Bitterly cold winds N. Korean and Chinese armies effectively used human wave attacks Terrain was difficult and mountainous Guerrilla warfare – using “hit-and-run” attacks

9. Refugees Large number of refugees Millions became homeless and were forced to flee These became logistical problems for the U.N

12. RAAF and RAN RAAF – Royal Australian Airforce RAN – Royal Australian Navy

13. RAAF RAAF flew air support combat missions to support ground troops Flew jets in nearly 500 missions and transport unit to provide troops with supplies and reinforcements

14. RAN Sent 9 ships to Korea during the war Took part in naval blockades, evacuation of refugees, destruction of minefields, artillery

15. End of the Korean War War ended JULY 1953 with a truce Old border at 38 th parallel still divides North and South Korea

16. REFERENDUM TO BAN COMMUNISM

17. Communist Party Dissolution Bill 1950 – Liberal-Country government of Robert Menzies tried to band the Communist Party in Australia by enacting the Communist Party Dissolution Bill Bill was passed by House of Representatives

18. High Court Response Communist Party and 10 unions brought the matter before the High Court, claiming the Bill was unconstitutional The High Court agreed it was unconstitutional to ban a political party

19. If that won’t work, change the constitution Menzies then decided to amend the Constitution so the party could be banned Held a referendum

20. Australia decides... 50.48% against changes 49.52% in favour Many who voted against the government at the referendum saw that the proposed change would not respect the democratic rights of people to organise political parties