1. Proxy Wars: Korea
Unit 9: Cold War

3. US and the USSR
To avoid direct conflict, the US and USSR tried to win the support of other nations
Used military and economic aid
Proxy War: a war in which superpowers use substitutes instead of fighting directly
Major proxy wars during the Cold War: Korea and Vietnam

4. US and the USSR
US also formed alliance systems of SEATO (E. Asia) and CENTO (Middle East)
SEATO: US, Britain, France, Pakistan, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand
CENTO: Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Britain, US

5. The Korean War

6. Parallels: Korea and Gulf War
Both were declared non-vital to US survival
These were the only two times the UN authorized military force (up to 1991)

7. Korean War- Background
Korean independence promised after WWII
USSR and US agreed to divide Korea into two zones at the 38th parallel
N. Vietnam = Communism
Leader = Kim Il-Sung
S. Vietnam = Democracy
Leader = Syngman Rhee
Division meant to be temporary

9. War Breaks out U.S. removed troops in 1948; Korea not a priority
More focused on Europe
Soviets continue occupation
1950- N. Korea invades 38th Parallel
100,000 soldiers w/ tanks and aircraft
Push S. Korea to the southern coast
“From the standpoint of military security, the United States has little strategic interest in maintaining the present troops and bases in Korea.”
Joint Chiefs of Staff to President Truman
25 September 1947

12. Korean War- 1950
Truman received UN approval to send US troops in defense
U.S. troops invade port of Inchon while other forces invade Pusan
Both battles victories for UN forces
N. Koreans pushed back across 38th Parallel to Chinese border by November
China worried about invasion of their country
China enters the war with N. Korea same month

16. Korean War- 1950 China pushes forces past 38th to capture Seoul
Worst fighting in Chosin Reservoir
17 day battle in sub-zero temperatures
UN troops encircled and outnumbered by 120,000 Chinese
Marked beginning of withdrawal from N. Korea

20. Domestic Response Not a popular war; many tired after WWII
Called “police action” to avoid the term “war”
Term led to general apathy of the people
Now known as “The Forgotten War”

21. Korean War- End Two year stalemate follows Chinese invasion
Eisenhower threatens nuclear response in 1953
1953- armistice signed
Americans happy with containment success; alarmed at communist aggression
38th parallel still remains the border to this day

27. Do you think it is important to remember the Korean War? Why or why not?