Korean War

US at War

Background

Japanese held until 1945 Post-war settlement divides at 38th

parallel US supported nation in the South USSR supported nation in the North

Communist Asia

China goes communist-1949 US reaction

North Korea invades South Surprise to South and U.S.

How to Respond? Truman needed to show toughness

on communism Public saw parallel with 1930’s

appeasement Fear of communist monolith

What type of war? Bomb Moscow? Localized conflict?

United Nations War

Decide to sent troops Went to UN for support

Russians boycotting UN supports stopping aggression Becomes UN war

Early War

North Korean army rolls over South Korean and American army Poor quality US troops Old equipment

Establish a perimeter near Pusan Looked like might be pushed into sea

Inchon

MacArthur realizes the need to relieve pressure from Pusan perimeter

Decides to stage amphibious assault Inchon—location rather than

suitability Poor location

Tides and seawall

Inchon

MacArthur was correct North Koreans barely defend the

port Marines quickly capture, drive on to

Seoul Pusan stages major breakout North Korean army disintegrates

UN forces quickly reach

What to do next?

Accomplished original goal Stop or unify country Continue to move north

North toward Yalu River Capture N. Korean capital-

Pyongyang

Chinese enter

Chinese get nervous Send warning through India MacArthur dismisses Chinese

threats One last push-believe war almost

over Nov 1950-reports of Chinese troops Late 1950 UN troops run into Chinese

Retreat Forced to retreat Individual units encircled Chinese poorly equipped but huge

numbers By Christmas 1950, recapture all

N. Korea Announce attempt to unify Capture Seoul

New Decisions-How to fight?

Bomb China-Go nuclear Unleash Nationalist Chinese Blockade China

MacArthur wants to widen war JCS and Truman decide to keep

war at same level

MacArthur Crisis

Disagrees with decision Goes public with criticism Truman relieves him of command

Public upset Raises question of objective of war

Victory or stalemate?

War of Attrition

Use of artillery and air war to kill as many N. Koreans and Chinese as possible

Stalemate close to 38th parallel Negotiations for two years

Much bloodletting for nothing

Air war in Korea

Tactical and Strategic use of air power First major use of jet fighters by both

sides Americans control the air

Use strategic power to destroy communications and stop Chinese offensives

Problem-not many strategic things to bomb

Manpower Limited war-limited manpower Very large logistical support

9 soldiers behind lines for each in combat

Selective Service Deferments Inequality – Rotation System