The Korean War

1
The Korean War

• Korean Communists
• controlled area North of the 38th parallel.
  Backed by Soviet Union.
• Claimed authority over all of Korea.
• Given extensive military aid from the Soviet
  Union, and in 1950 invades below the 38th
  parallel.
• Eventually driven back to the Yalu River until
  Communist China drives US forces and S. Koreans
  back to the 38th parallel.

2
The Korean War

• South Koreans
• controlled area South of the 38th parallel.
  Backed by U.S. Claimed authority over all of
  Korea.
• Driven by N. Koreans down to the Pusan
  Perimeter.
• McArthur lands behind enemy lines at Inchon and
  drives Koreans to the Yalu River.
• McArthur wants to expand war against China.
  Truman fires McArthur for insubordination. S.
  Korean troops driven back to 38th parallel.
• Truman remains committed to limited war

3
The Korean War

• Overview
• Armistice signed in 1953.
• 33,600 Americans die in action.
• After Korea, US shifts from using economic and
  political pressure to major military buildup.
• US becomes more militarily involved in Asia.
• The French began receiving military aid to fight
  Communist guerillas in Vietnam.