1. American Goals in Korea
Impact and consequences of the Korean War
American Goals in Korea
See p in The Cold War and the Americas, V. Sanders for more detail.
Consider whether or not US goals were met.
Results and consequences you may wish to consider:
The war ended with boundaries between North and South Korea that were essentially the same as when the war began.
The advance of Communism had been prevented on the Korean peninsula.
The potential Communist threat to Japan had ended.
War was very costly for the USA (higher taxes, casualties), China and both Koreas.
More than 15 countries sent troops to help in the UN intervention.
Arguably, the US cold War focus turned to Asia, and the military resistance to Communism.
Truman’s presidency was damaged by the war.
Arms race between USA and USSR escalated.
Sino-American (Asian-American) greatly damaged by the conflict.