Lesson 11.05: The Korean War

• Introduction
• Containing Communism in Korea
• The Korean War
• Practice
• Task

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to: Trace the impact of the UN entrance into the Korean War. Discuss the effect the entrance of Chinese troops had on the Korean War. Describe the disagreement that existed between MacArthur and President Truman, including the final outcome. Evaluate the success and failures of the Korean War as well as the impact it had on the broader Cold War. The above objectives correspond with the following Alabama Course of Study Objectives: ACOS XSummarize events leading to World War II, including the militarization of the Rhineland, Germany's seizure of Austria and Czechoslovakia, Japan's invasion of China, and the Rape of Nanjing.

 

	Two U.S. soldiers in the Korean War
Two U.S. soldiers in the Korean War. IRC. 2005. Discovery Education. 15 February 2010 <http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/>

In the Korean War, on the western front, two U.S. soldiers man their machine gun.

 

Overview

Following the June invasion of South Korea by communist North Korea, UN forces launched an amphibious assault on North Korean troops in September 1950. Within a matter of days, UN troops had managed to turn the tide of the war in their favor. Soon thereafter they approached the 38th parallel; the line that reflected the boundary between the two Koreas. It was at this juncture that President Truman and General Douglas MacArthur debated about the true goal of the war. Originally the goal had been to only "contain" communism, which meant pushing the North Koreans back across the 38th parallel. However, with that goal so easily accomplished, MacArthur petitioned for a broader goal of uniting the two Koreas under democratic rule. After much discussion, Truman consented with the understanding that the Chinese were not to be enticed into the war.  MacArthur agreed, but quickly disregarded Chinese warnings of entry as UN forces approached the Chinese border. By November, the Chinese had entered the war and easily pushed UN forces back to the 38th parallel.

A stalemate ensued for the next three years. Finally in July 1953, a ceasefire was negotiated with the 38th parallel remaining the agreed upon border. Although no territorial gains were made, the US viewed this war as a victory in the broader Cold War. They accomplished their original goal of "containing" communism. But just as importantly, they communicated to the Soviet Union that they were willing to use force if necessary to back up their Containment policy.