Korean War For

Dummies
The Cold War Goes Hot

Why??
Containment
Struggle between democracy and Communism
The Domino Theory is in effect as well. China has
already fallen and now Korea? Must stop the dominos
from falling.

History of Korea
Had been occupied by Japan
When Japan lost the war it leaves Korea free. It is
agreed that Korea should be allowed to choose Self
Determination
Then at Potsdam they decide to divide the Korea into
Sphere of Influence. The North is going to be influenced
by China and Soviet Union and the South is influenced
by the US.

This is United Nations mess

Korea is technically an United Nations war. Congress
never declared war.
Because of the US, China was not recognized by the
United Nations.
Because of this, Soviet Union boycotts the United
Nations opens the door for US to influence UN to defend
South Korea
The Soviets are on the Security Council that could have
vetoed the action
US puts in a puppet state government. Anti Communist,
ends up killing many suspected Communists

Lets Get this War Started

1950 North Korea invades South Korea, crossing the 38 th Parallel
War lasted from 1950-53
North is easily winning the war early. Pushes the South Koreans to Busan
and the Southern Part of Peninsula, capturing Seoul the capital of South
Korea along the way.
UN / US sends General Douglas MacAuthur from Japan to Korea to save
South Korea.
Why CONTAINMENT!!!!!!!!
Sometimes called the Forgotten War in US. 54,000 US Soldiers die and 5
million of Koreans
Truman is concerned that China will get involved leading to WWIII.
Tells Truman to Stop at 38th parallel, containment achieved

MacAuthur Wont Stop

MacAuthur and US troops come in and drive North Korea back.
But does not stop at 38h Parallel. Pushed all the way past the
Yula River which is the border of China and North Korea.
Pushes all the way to China. Chinese get involved. Pushes US
troops back to 38th Parallel.
Truman fires MacAuthur because he wont listen. He wanted a
full scale war in Korea.
Becomes stalemate and eventually cease fire is signed
Kim II Sung becomes Communist Leader of North Korea,
followed by Kim Yong Ill and now his son Kim Young Yu

What was the result

North Korea becomes isolated, Communist country.
Very poor, no one in, no one out
South Korea becomes a very successful capitalist free
enterprise county with a successful economy.
Today South Korea is a major trading partner of ours
and we have troops there still today.
Great example of how capitalism is better than
communism. Must have competition to have success.