1. Soviets had liberated the North
MacArthur leads US who dominate the
mission
June 1950 – North invades South
North captures almost all of South
NATO rearms in Europe, concerned
about Soviet retaliation there
Truman doctrine – now applies to Asia!
UN passes a resolution committing troops
to Korea
USA had liberated the South

2. Chinese troops had pushed UN troops
back to the 38th parallel by end of October
Truman starts threatening A-bombs
Truman and MacArthur argue over the
use of nukes
Instead, $50 billion spent and a 50%
increase in armed troops (3.5 million)
Stalemate at the 38th parallel

3. MacArthur-Truman split…
Mac wants war of liberation
Truman wants containment
MacArthur is fired… returns to USA to
largest ticker-tape parade in history
Growing popularity for McCarthy’s
House Committee on Un-American
Activities
Nov ’52 – Truman out, Eisenhower in,
Nixon as his VP
July ’53 – armistice signed at
Panmunjon, no peace treaty
– problems still exist today