1. Korean War
Objective: Demonstrate an understanding of how the Korean War resulted in a further heightening of Cold War tensions

2. Who Lost China?
Chiang Kai-shek (nationalists) and Mao Zedong (communists) continued civil war post-WWII
Chiang Kai-shek’s forces fled to Taiwan in 1949

3. Divided Korea Korea divided along 38th parallel by US and USSR
US backs South
USSR backs North
Both pull out by 1949 but…
June 25, 1950 N. Korean troops invaded the South

4. Truman Responds Avoid appeasement and fate of League Contain Communism
Korea confirms containment doctrine idea that can’t relax our guard w/o Comm. aggression
Chance to implement NSC-68
Demonstrate that Democrats are not “soft” on Communism

5. UN Involvement
Truman calls on UN to declare “police action” against aggressors
Security Council vote: no China, Russia absent in protest
No congressional approval, no declaration of war
US made up 50% of troops, S. Korea 40%

6. MacArthur vs. Truman MacArthur Truman disagrees
Great offensive
Then miscalculates
Wants to retaliate and attack China
Suggests atomic weapons
Truman disagrees
China gives warning, then counterattacks
MacArthur publicly criticizes Truman “In war, there is no substitute for victory!”
Truman fires MacArthur

7. Truman and the War Policy of “Limited War for Specific Goals”
Prevent major land war
Avoid World War III & atomic escalation
Criticized heavily at home

8. An Unpopular War at Home
Soon after World War II
Many casualties when “not at War”
Stalemate
no clear victory or treaty
Goals unclear; changing
Far removed from Americans’ lives
Eisenhower campaigns on ending war and wins 1952 election

9. Effects… Reinforces Containment policy
54,246 American troops killed
103,284 wounded and missing
$54 billion cost
Reinforces Containment policy
NSC-68’s recommendations are followed
Leads to increased military spending
Speeds up Nuclear Arms Race
Separates Korean peninsula
Trend of President committing troops without Congressional Declaration of War

10. Discussion Questions Was the Korean War a success or failure?
Did MacArthur have the right to publicly criticize Truman?
Should the President be able to commit troops without Congress declaring War?
What are our options if another country does something we don’t like?
When should we use military intervention?
What criteria should be considered before taking military action?
What type of military action should be taken?