1. Ch 18 Sect 2
The Cold War in Asia

2. I. China
Soviet-supported Chinese communists fought US-supported Chinese nationalists.
US did not send troops, only $ and military supplies.
Chinese communists won civil war under Mao Zedong’s leadership.
Nationalists fled to Taiwan
U.S. refused to recognize the People’s Republic of China and used Japan for military bases.
US leadership criticized for not “containing” communism!

3. II. Korea ( )
2 nations – North & South Korea separated by 38th Parallel
US occupied South Korea (cut back, 1949 only 500 troops).
Soviets helped communists gain control of North Korea.
They prepared N. Korea to take over the south with tanks, planes & money.

4. III. Korean War Begins
June 25, 1950, North Korea passed 38th parellel & launched surprise attack.
UN sent troops from 16 nations, 520,000 troops (90% American)
Placed under General MacArthur’s command

5. IV. US Fights in Korea
UN & American troops pushed North Korean army back across the 38th Parallel.
MacArthur wanted to push through the North
China stepped in, drove UN forces south out of North Korea.
Fighting went on for 2 years, neither side advancing.

6. The War In Korea

7. V. MacArthur Tries to Change War
To end the stalemate, MacArthur recommened using nuclear weapons against China.
Truman rejected plan, would lead to WWIII. Stalemate cont.
MacArthur tried to go over Truman’s authority & publicly spoke out against him.
Truman fired MacArthur.
July, 1953 both sides agreed to stalemate.
Korea remains divided today.