Major Postwar Domestic Changes:

10 million service men and women were demobilized.

Fear of economic recession - many believed that there would be a rise in unemployment.

The economy changed from war production to consumer goods.

Women left the work force in large number: ~3 million.

Labor unrest: Unions ended their war time promise to end strikes and a wave of strikes occurs.

The Taft-Hartley Act* (1946) Republicans take control of both houses of

Congress in 1946 and seek to return to a conservative government: Lower taxes Reduced government regulation Support for business Reduces the power of unions to aid business

Banned shops closed to non-union members End price controls passed during the war

Truman vetoes but is overridden!

Truman’s Successes and Failures:

Successes:

GI Bill of Rights (1944)

Executive Order 9981 (1948): Armed Forces

Desegregated

Failures:

Fair Deal (1949): Proposal to expand New Deal-like social welfare programs fails! Congress won’t pass.

“GI Bill of Rights” (GI Bill*) Servicemen's

Readjustment Act, (1944) – “GI Bill”:

Benefits offered by the government to help returning soldiers-

Housing support and loans

Education funding Job training Business loans … helped increase the

middle class!

The Korean War* (1950-1953):

Korea was a Japanese Colony from 1910-1945.

As U.S. and Soviets defeat Japanese, Korea “partitioned” – split along the 38th parallel.

Temporary agreement meant to reunite Korea. Left under “trusteeship” until then.

Intro to the Korean War* (1950-1953):

Former Japanese Colony (1910-1945)

As U.S. and Soviets defeat Japanese, Korea “partitioned” – split along the 38th parallel.

Temporary agreement meant to reunite Korea. Left under “trusteeship” until then.

Elections to be held but USSR would not cooperate. Two states emerge: “Democratic Republic of Korea” (North Korea) =

USSR “Republic of Korea” (South Korea) = US

Communist vs. “Free” split, just as in Germany!

Meanwhile, in China … China also struggling with

Communism: Chinese Civil War (1927 –

1950)

Communists (CPC) vs. Nationalists (KMT)

Soviets support CPC, Allies support KMT – “Lend Lease”

Eventually the Communists win. KMT leaders retreat to Taiwan – “Republic of China.”

The U.S. takes the “fall” or “loss” of China to Communism hard.

Mao Zedong* (1945-1976) – Chairman of Chinese Communist Party

Other Tensions: The fall of China to Communism and USSR

building first atomic bomb (1949) add tensions.

U.S. develops hydrogen bomb, “H-Bomb”, in response. 1,000 times more powerful than atom bomb!

Soviet H-Bomb Test

A-Bomb vs. H-Bomb

Other Tensions: The fall of China to Communism and USSR building

first atomic bomb (1949) add tensions.

In response, U.S. develops hydrogen bomb, “H-Bomb”, in response. 1,000 times more powerful than atom bomb!

Also leads to the adoption of NSC-68*(1950) a plan adopted by the U.S. that suggested: “Vigorous” containment of Communism Clashes with the USSR are now “inevitable” Need to build up of “conventional” forces Increases funding for atomic weapons (H-Bomb) Triples the defense budget!

June 1950 - War Breaks Out: North Korea wanted to

expand its borders and communism into the south.

North Korea, with support from the USSR and China, invades South Korea on June 25, 1950.

United Nations condemns attack. U.S. gathers a 16 nation “coalition” to fight back.

U.S. supplies 80+% of troops and the main commander: General Douglas MacArthur*.

The Korean War: 1950-1953

US pushed back at first – nearly defeated!

Amphibious landing at Inchon by General McArthur pushes N. Korean forces to Chinese border.

Chinese “volunteers” rush UN forces back to 38th parallel.

War ends as a “stalemate,” with neither side able to advance.

Final Outcome of the War:

The “war” ended in a ceasefire; there was no victory.

Ended on July 27th, 1953 with a truce; armistice (cease fire) signed.

North Korea and South Korea remain divided.

Tensions still exist today, especially along the “DMZ” – Demilitarized Zone.

Effects of the War:Casualties:

~2.5 million Korean civilians

~1.8 million Korean military

~1 million Chinese military

~34,000 American military

Long-term Effects:

Tensions with China

Tensions between N & S Korea

“Domino” theory / Containment considered effective.

Weapons & Technology:

Aircraft technology evolving in warfare at the time:

First war to utilize the jet aircraft & helicopters.Helicopters used for medical evacuation

Medical technology increased. 25% more soldiers saved due to MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals)