1. Korean War

2. The Beginnings of War June 25, 1950 Soviets backed North Korea US backed South Korea The United States was fighting against the spread of global communism. Both sides wanted to take over the other side’s territory 10,000 soldiers on both sides were killed before the war even began

3. Intervention US feared that Communism would take over if North Korea won the war Struggle between the Eastern and Western Worlds Started off an a defensive war to just keep North Korea out of South Korea Moved to offense, and drove the North Korean army back over the 38 th parallel

4. MacArthur wanted to fight Did not want to appease the Soviet’s and North Korea ▫Thought it would allow for Communism to spread Sent a letter to Joseph Martin to declare war on China ▫He knew that this letter would get leaked to the press ▫This letter got him fired from leading the American troops

5. The War Stands Still President Truman started peace talks with the North Koreans Prisoners of War would be able to choose what side they would like to stay on after the war Divided the land at the 38 th parallel ▫Still exists today ▫2 miles of demilitarized zone

6. Casualties of the War About 5 million people died Half were civilians ▫More civilian casualties than WW2 and Vietnam 40,000 Americans died 100,000 Americans were wounded