THE TRUMAN YEARSTHE TRUMAN YEARS1945-19521945-1952
HARRY S TRUMANHARRY S TRUMAN
“Give ‘em hell Harry!”
“The buck stops here!”
“If you can’t stand theheat, get out of the kitchen.”
Gained notoriety on WWII Senate watchdog committee on defense spending --- saved U.S. gov’t lots of money.
YALTA YALTA CONFERENCECONFERENCE
February 1945February 1945 Yalta, U.S.S.R.Yalta, U.S.S.R. Agreements:Agreements:
– Eastern European countries would be free to Eastern European countries would be free to choose their own form of gov’tchoose their own form of gov’t
– Germany to be divided into 4 zones of Germany to be divided into 4 zones of occupation by the 4 Alliesoccupation by the 4 Allies
– Berlin, in the Soviet zone of Germany, would Berlin, in the Soviet zone of Germany, would also be divided by the 4 powersalso be divided by the 4 powers
– Stalin promises to enter war against Japan after Germany defeated …. (did he?)
POTSDAM CONFERENCEPOTSDAM CONFERENCE July – August, 1945 Truman and Stalin and Churchill Ultimatum to Japan – surrender or else Truman insists German industry be
allowed to recover but Stalin wants reparations
Agreement:– German industry allowed to revive in the
British, American and French zones
– Stalin gets reparations from only the Soviet zone of Germany (not happy since it was primarily agricultural)
Truman tells Stalin of U.S. atomic bomb testing
WW II WW II CasualtieCasualties: Europes: Europe
WW II WW II CasualtieCasualties: Europes: Europe
Each symbol indicates 100,000
dead in the appropriate theater
of operations
RESULTS OF WWIIRESULTS OF WWII
WW II WW II Casualties: AsiaCasualties: Asia
WW II WW II Casualties: AsiaCasualties: Asia
Each symbol indicates 100,000
dead in the appropriate theater
of operations
WW II WW II CasualtiCasualti
eses
WW II WW II CasualtiCasualti
eses
Country Country Men in Men in
war war Battle Battle
deaths deaths WoundedWounded
Australia Australia 1,000,000 1,000,000 26,976 26,976 180,864180,864
Austria Austria 800,000 800,000 280,000 280,000 350,117350,117
Belgium Belgium 625,000 625,000 8,460 8,460 55,51355,51311
BrazilBrazil22 40,334 40,334 943 943 4,2224,222
Bulgaria Bulgaria 339,760 339,760 6,671 6,671 21,87821,878
Canada Canada 1,086,3431,086,34377
42,04242,04277 53,14553,145
ChinaChina33 17,250,5217,250,521 1
1,324,516 1,324,516 1,762,0061,762,006
Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia — — 6,6836,68344 8,0178,017
Denmark Denmark — — 4,339 4,339 ——
Finland Finland 500,000 500,000 79,047 79,047 50,00050,000
France France — — 201,568 201,568 400,000400,000
Germany Germany 20,000,0020,000,000 0
3,250,0003,250,00044 7,250,0007,250,000
Greece Greece — — 17,024 17,024 47,29047,290
Hungary Hungary — — 147,435 147,435 89,31389,313
India India 2,393,891 2,393,891 32,121 32,121 64,35464,354
Italy Italy 3,100,000 3,100,000 149,496149,49644 66,71666,716
Japan Japan 9,700,000 9,700,000 1,270,000 1,270,000 140,000140,000
Netherlands Netherlands 280,000 280,000 6,500 6,500 2,8602,860
New Zealand New Zealand 194,000 194,000 11,62511,62544 17,00017,000
Norway Norway 75,000 75,000 2,000 2,000 ——
Poland Poland — — 664,000 664,000 530,000530,000
Romania Romania 650,000650,00055 350,000350,00066 ——
South Africa South Africa 410,056 410,056 2,473 2,473 ——
U.S.S.R. U.S.S.R. — — 6,115,0006,115,00044 14,012,0014,012,0000
United United Kingdom Kingdom
5,896,000 5,896,000 357,116357,11644 369,267369,267
United States United States 16,112,5616,112,566 6
291,557 291,557 670,846670,846
Yugoslavia Yugoslavia 3,741,000 3,741,000 305,000 305,000 425,000425,000
1. Civilians only.2. Army and navy
figures.3. Figures cover period
July 7, 1937 to Sept. 2, 1945, and concern only Chinese regular troops. They do not include casualties
suffered by guerrillas and local military
corps.4. Deaths from all
causes.5. Against Soviet Russia;
385,847 against Nazi Germany.
6. Against Soviet Russia; 169,822
against Nazi Germany.7. National Defense Ctr.,
CanadianForces Hq., Director of
History.
Massive Human Massive Human DislocationsDislocations
Massive Human Massive Human DislocationsDislocations
The U.S. & the The U.S. & the U.S.S.R. Emerged as U.S.S.R. Emerged as
the Two Superpowers the Two Superpowers of the 20of the 20cc
The U.S. & the The U.S. & the U.S.S.R. Emerged as U.S.S.R. Emerged as
the Two Superpowers the Two Superpowers of the 20of the 20cc
UNITED NATIONS
Post WWII international peace-keeping organization
Replaces the League of Nations April 1945, San Francisco 50 Nations U.S. is first to join Eleanor Roosevelt, 1st U.S.
Ambassador
ISRAELISRAEL UN created Israeli State out of BR
Palestine US recognized Israel in ’48 – it was
protested by oil producing Arab nations
POSTWAR ECONOMYPOSTWAR ECONOMY DEMOBILIZATION:DEMOBILIZATION: Forces cut to total of 1.5 million by 1947 (from Forces cut to total of 1.5 million by 1947 (from
WWII peak of 8 million)WWII peak of 8 million)– Did NOT bring depression to U.S.:Did NOT bring depression to U.S.:
» Pent up demand for consumer goodsPent up demand for consumer goods» Forced savings ($30 billion) during warForced savings ($30 billion) during war
– GI Bill of Rights – 1944GI Bill of Rights – 1944(Serviceman’s Readjustment Act)(Serviceman’s Readjustment Act)
» $13 billion in aid$13 billion in aid» EducationEducation» HousingHousing» Small business loansSmall business loans
POSTWAR ECONOMYPOSTWAR ECONOMY INFLATION -INFLATION - Rose rapidly –
demand for wage increases led to … STRIKES:
– 5,000 strikes of 4.6 million workers in 1946» ’46 – UAW strike against GM & Steelworkers against
U.S. Steel Truman suggests $.18/hr wage increase & allowed U.S. Steel to
raise prices to cover the increase Became basis of settlements in other industries
» UMW Strike – April 1946 John L. Lewis Truman ordered gov’t takeover of mines but then accepted
Union’s demands
» Truman avoids RR strike by seizing RRs & threatening to draft strikers into Army!
EARLY DOMESTIC POLICYEARLY DOMESTIC POLICY Employment Act of 1946Employment Act of 1946
– To maintain full employment; 3 member advisory To maintain full employment; 3 member advisory council to Pcouncil to P
Atomic Energy Commission, 1946Atomic Energy Commission, 1946– Civilian control over nuclear development; Civilian control over nuclear development; P has sole P has sole
authority over use of nuclear weaponsauthority over use of nuclear weapons Presidential Succession Act, 1947Presidential Succession Act, 1947
– Put Speaker & Pres. Pro Temp ahead of Sec. Of StatePut Speaker & Pres. Pro Temp ahead of Sec. Of State– Why?Why?
2222ndnd Amendment passed; ratified 1951 Amendment passed; ratified 1951 Department of Defense created, 1947Department of Defense created, 1947
– National Security Council to advise PNational Security Council to advise P– CIA createdCIA created for foreign fact-gatheringfor foreign fact-gathering
TAFT-HARTLEY ACT, 1947 Republicans are anti-labor unions
– seeking to stop strikes & curb union power
Made “closed shop” illegal ( where employers forced to hire only union workers)
Required anti-communist oath of union officials
No union $ could be used for political campaigns
Authorized P to seek court injunctions to prevent strikes
TRUMAN VETOED – Congress overrides
• Keep Germany weak• Keep Soviet borders
secure by keeping all land between Germany & Soviet Union under Soviet control
• Spread communism
• Economic growth is key to world peace
• Make Germany strong democratic nation
• Increase world trade• Spread democracy
American Goals After WWII:Soviet Goals After WWII
FOREIGN POLICY – THE COLD WARFOREIGN POLICY – THE COLD WAR
Failure of U.S.-Soviet Cooperation comes from the different goals of each side:
FOREIGN POLICY – THE COLD WARFOREIGN POLICY – THE COLD WAR Failure of U.S.-Soviet CooperationFailure of U.S.-Soviet Cooperation
– Tensions apparent at Yalta and PotsdamTensions apparent at Yalta and Potsdam– Soviet control over E. Europe, parts of China, Korea, Soviet control over E. Europe, parts of China, Korea,
by end of ’45by end of ’45– By ’46-47 – also control Poland, Hungary, Romania, By ’46-47 – also control Poland, Hungary, Romania,
BulgariaBulgaria– ““Long TelegramLong Telegram” 1947 (5,540 words), George Kennan ” 1947 (5,540 words), George Kennan
warns that Soviets have no intention of living warns that Soviets have no intention of living peacefully with U.S.-proposes peacefully with U.S.-proposes “containment”“containment”
Soviet Army kept strongSoviet Army kept strong– 5 million in 19475 million in 1947– Soviets understand U.S. nuclear arsenal (12 bombs) Soviets understand U.S. nuclear arsenal (12 bombs)
cannot destroy entire Soviet military machinecannot destroy entire Soviet military machine
IRON CURTAINIRON CURTAIN Phrase coined by Winston Churchill in
1946 speech in Fulton, MO An “iron curtain” has been spread across
Europe separating the democratic from the authoritarian communist states – “satellite nations”
CONTAINMENTCONTAINMENT Will be the Cold War foreign policy for decades Formulated by George Kennan
– “Sources of Soviet Conduct” – July 1947– Calls for “containing,” not eliminating communism
“Cold War” term used by Walter Lippman to describe icy rivalry & tension/push for dominance between U.S. & Soviets
THE TRUMAN DOCTRINETHE TRUMAN DOCTRINE Containment in action! (diplomatic,Containment in action! (diplomatic, economic, and military action)economic, and military action) Feb. ’47 Britain advises it can no longer afford aid to Feb. ’47 Britain advises it can no longer afford aid to
Greece in its efforts against communismGreece in its efforts against communism Truman asks Congress for $400 million in military & Truman asks Congress for $400 million in military &
economic aid to Greece & Turkeyeconomic aid to Greece & Turkey Truman DoctrineTruman Doctrine – U.S. must support free peoples – U.S. must support free peoples
who are resisting communist domination by outside who are resisting communist domination by outside pressure (diplomatic, economic, military)pressure (diplomatic, economic, military)
Gives official sanction to the Gives official sanction to the communism v. communism v. democracydemocracy approach to foreign relations; foreign approach to foreign relations; foreign policy begins to dominate domestic policypolicy begins to dominate domestic policy
Why is this an historic change in US foreign policy?Why is this an historic change in US foreign policy?
THEMARSHALLPLAN1948-1952
A “containment” success – over $13 billion. HOW is it containment?
“Hunger, poverty, desperation & chaos are the enemies of democracy.” Marshall
Passed in March ’48 after Soviet coup d’etat in Czechoslovakia in Feb. ‘48
Yalta’s Post WWII Division of Germany and Berlin
What were the conflicting beliefs of Soviets and U.S. on Germany?
Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) formed in 1948 by U.S., British, French
Soviet Response:Block surface access to Berlin
U.S., British & French combined their zones in Germany to form an independent nation: German Federal Republic (West Germany)
Soviets retaliated by closing off all traffic from West Germany to Berlin
Truman orders Berlin airlift to bring supplies to the 2 million people stranded in West Berlin
Airlift lasted for 12 months; over 200,000 flights
What types of supplies were brought in?
BERLIN AIRLIFT
The Soviets launched balloons into flight paths and ordered their pilots to fire into the air around Allied planes.
Once, a Soviet fighter collided with a British plane, killing 35. In total, there were 101 fatalities over the course of the Berlin airlift, including 39 Britons.
THE BERLIN AIRLIFTTHE BERLIN AIRLIFT12 months – 200,000 flights12 months – 200,000 flights
Supplies to 2 million stranded West BerlinersSupplies to 2 million stranded West Berliners
CONTAINMENT IN ASIA:CONTAINMENT IN ASIA:THE PHILIPPINESTHE PHILIPPINES
Granted independence by the U.S. in 1946Granted independence by the U.S. in 1946 In return, U.S. got use of naval bases thereIn return, U.S. got use of naval bases there But, by turn of the century, all U.S. troops But, by turn of the century, all U.S. troops
were to be removed.were to be removed.
Douglas MacArthur is Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in charge of the occupation of Japan from 1945-1947
Known as the “White Emperor” of Japan
Why an occupation policy for Japan?
JAPANJAPAN
Japan seen as key to defending Asia just as Germany was key Japan seen as key to defending Asia just as Germany was key to defending Europe against communismto defending Europe against communism
Japan’s military forces are Japan’s military forces are dismantled & empire lostdismantled & empire lost
War criminals are triedWar criminals are tried A new constitution is A new constitution is
written which provides for written which provides for representative gov’t & gives representative gov’t & gives women the right to votewomen the right to vote
Schools are reorganized to Schools are reorganized to teach democratic valuesteach democratic values
The Emperor remains, but The Emperor remains, but only as a figurehead.only as a figurehead.
Japan regained its Japan regained its independence in 1951independence in 1951
Quickly became the Quickly became the leading economy in Asialeading economy in Asia
Japanese OccupationJapanese OccupationUnder MacArthur:Under MacArthur:
Ongoing conflict in China Ongoing conflict in China between Communists, led by between Communists, led by Mao, and the Nationalists, led Mao, and the Nationalists, led by Chiang Kai-shek since 20sby Chiang Kai-shek since 20s
Suspended in WWII to fight Suspended in WWII to fight JapanJapan
U.S. sends Marshall to help U.S. sends Marshall to help settle conflict and $20 billion settle conflict and $20 billion in aid between ’45 & ’48in aid between ’45 & ’48– $ lost due to poor planning and $ lost due to poor planning and
corruptioncorruption Communists successful by ’49Communists successful by ’49
– 500 million new communists500 million new communists U.S. refuses aid to Nationalists U.S. refuses aid to Nationalists
during Communist takeoverduring Communist takeover Nationalists forced off Nationalists forced off
mainland to Taiwanmainland to Taiwan U.N. recognizes only U.N. recognizes only
Nationalist China on TaiwanNationalist China on TaiwanChairmanMao Zedung
Chiang Kai-shek
ELECTIONELECTIONOF 1948OF 1948
Thomas Dewey, R
Henry Wallace,Progressive
Strom Thurmond,Dixiecrat
•Whistlestop Campaign•Farmers, laborers, blacks•Fair Deal
Democrats opposed to Truman’s pro-civil rights policies
TRUMAN’S FAIR DEALTRUMAN’S FAIR DEAL Expansion of Social Security benefits Proposed national health insurance Raised minimum wage from $.40 to $.70 CIVIL RIGHTS: Committee on Civil Rights, 1946Committee on Civil Rights, 1946
– Make lynching a federal crime; no poll taxesMake lynching a federal crime; no poll taxes– Ended segregation in the armed forcesEnded segregation in the armed forces– No discrimination in federal jobsNo discrimination in federal jobs
Unsuccessful with many efforts - defeated by a coalition Unsuccessful with many efforts - defeated by a coalition of Republicans & conservative Southern Dsof Republicans & conservative Southern Ds
1952 Steel Strike – Truman nationalized steel industry before the strike started! Supreme Ct. held that he lacked the authority to seize the steel mills.
TRUMAN’S LOYALTY PROGRAMTRUMAN’S LOYALTY PROGRAM Loyalty Review Board – 1947Loyalty Review Board – 1947
– ““Reviewed” over 3 million federal employeesReviewed” over 3 million federal employees
– Truman’s response to charges of being “soft on Truman’s response to charges of being “soft on communism”communism”
HUAC – 1938/1948HUAC – 1938/1948– Originally to rout out subversionOriginally to rout out subversion
– FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover uses it by ’48 to hold FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover uses it by ’48 to hold public hearings on communist subversivespublic hearings on communist subversives
– HUAC famous for attacks on WPA Arts Projects – particularly theatre
– First case – Hollywood film industryFirst case – Hollywood film industry» ““Hollywood Ten” – claim 5Hollywood Ten” – claim 5thth & won’t testify & won’t testify
THE RED SCARE
Began in 1950 when Soviet government worker Began in 1950 when Soviet government worker defecteddefected and revealed extent of Soviet spies and revealed extent of Soviet spies infiltrating Americainfiltrating America
Americans began to fear communist Americans began to fear communist subversionsubversion– Effort to secretly weaken and overthrow a Effort to secretly weaken and overthrow a
country/societycountry/society
ALGER HISSALGER HISS In HUAC hearing, Whittaker In HUAC hearing, Whittaker
Chambers, former Communist, Chambers, former Communist, accuses Hiss, a former State Dept. accuses Hiss, a former State Dept. official under FDR, of being a spyofficial under FDR, of being a spy
Chambers produces microfilm he Chambers produces microfilm he claims Hiss hid in a pumpkin outside claims Hiss hid in a pumpkin outside his househis house
Too late to bring an espionage caseToo late to bring an espionage case But, Hiss convicted of But, Hiss convicted of perjury (lying perjury (lying
under oath)under oath) Sen. Sen. Richard Nixon Richard Nixon for prosecutionfor prosecution Case feeds fears of communist Case feeds fears of communist
underground organization in U.S.underground organization in U.S.
THE ROSENBERGSTHE ROSENBERGSConvicted 1951; Executed 1953Convicted 1951; Executed 1953
Only Americans ever executed in peacetime for espionageOnly Americans ever executed in peacetime for espionage
Rosenbergs lived in New YorkRosenbergs lived in New York Scientists; members of Communist party; Scientists; members of Communist party;
accused of heading up a Soviet spy ringaccused of heading up a Soviet spy ring PROJECT VENONAPROJECT VENONA
– 1946 – not revealed until 19951946 – not revealed until 1995– Cracked Soviet spy code & confirmed Cracked Soviet spy code & confirmed
extensive Soviet spying; massive spy huntextensive Soviet spying; massive spy hunt– Intercepted messages not made public so as Intercepted messages not made public so as
not to alert Sovietsnot to alert Soviets– Strong evidence of guilt of RosenbergsStrong evidence of guilt of Rosenbergs
JOSEPH R. MCCARTHYJOSEPH R. MCCARTHY WI Senator; drinking problem; witch WI Senator; drinking problem; witch
hunts are reelection campaign strategyhunts are reelection campaign strategy Claims in 1950 to have list of 205 Claims in 1950 to have list of 205
communists in State Dept. – never any communists in State Dept. – never any real evidence producedreal evidence produced
So accusations get more sensational – So accusations get more sensational – diplomats (George Marshall), scholars, diplomats (George Marshall), scholars, Hollywood….Hollywood….
Why would he gain support?Why would he gain support? McCarran Internal Security Act – ’50McCarran Internal Security Act – ’50
– Passed over Truman’s vetoPassed over Truman’s veto– Communist orgs must register w/Att. Gen.Communist orgs must register w/Att. Gen.– Members may not work in defense or travel Members may not work in defense or travel
abroad - no passportsabroad - no passports
Changes in America as a result of The Red Scare:
Fear of communism and nuclear war dominated life Soviets had A-bomb by 1949; H-bomb by ’53 & so
Americans began preparing for a Soviet attack– Bomb shelters & fallout shelters– Duck and cover drills
1950s are a time of major contrast:– Prosperity, materialism, good times on the on the one
hand– Fear of communism, nuclear war & destruction on the
other hand
NATONATO Warsaw PactWarsaw Pact Western powers: G.B., Western powers: G.B.,
France, U.S., etc.France, U.S., etc. Capitalist/DemocraticCapitalist/Democratic Alliance for Alliance for collective collective
securitysecurity No secrets between No secrets between
membersmembers Goal: contain communismGoal: contain communism Commander: EisenhowerCommander: Eisenhower– Dramatic foreign policy Dramatic foreign policy
departure for U.S.departure for U.S.
Communist Communist nations: USSR, nations: USSR, Poland, Czech, Poland, Czech, “areas”, & other “areas”, & other satellite nationssatellite nations
Alliance for Alliance for collective security collective security against NATOagainst NATO
Both sides have Both sides have nuclear nuclear weapons!!!!weapons!!!!
– Soviet atomic bomb – 1949 – Soviet atomic bomb – 1949 – Truman calls for building of Truman calls for building of super hydrogen bomb Jan. 1950super hydrogen bomb Jan. 1950
– U.S. Hydrogen bomb – 1952; U.S. Hydrogen bomb – 1952; Soviets by 1953Soviets by 1953
– NSC-68:NSC-68: Acheson; US needs Acheson; US needs conventional military buildup conventional military buildup also – spending increases 350%also – spending increases 350%
» Rationale: Soviets would not be able to keep up with US spending; so it would be economic chaos for Soviets
THE NUCLEAR ARMS THE NUCLEAR ARMS RACE!RACE!
Assassination Assassination AttemptAttempt
1950 by several Puerto Rican Nationalists who believed it would bring attention 1950 by several Puerto Rican Nationalists who believed it would bring attention to their cause to their cause
2 of the 3 assassins killed in attempt; last assassin got to the steps of the before 2 of the 3 assassins killed in attempt; last assassin got to the steps of the before being shot.being shot.
Sentenced to death; one week before execution in ’52, Truman commuted the Sentenced to death; one week before execution in ’52, Truman commuted the sentence to life imprisonmentsentence to life imprisonment
Carter let him out in Sept. 1979 – he went home to Puerto Rico and died there in Carter let him out in Sept. 1979 – he went home to Puerto Rico and died there in ’94 at age of 80’94 at age of 80
Would-be presidential assassin Oscar Collazo lies wounded in front of Blair House, 1950
UNITED NATIONS
PARTICIPANTS IN THE KOREAN WAR
NORTH KOREA
Rep.of KoreaAustralia
Belgium
Canada
Colombia
Ethiopia
France
Greece
Luxembourg
Netherlands
New Zealand
Philippines
South Africa
Thailand
Turkey
U. Kingdom
United States
Japan
Democratic
People’s
Republic of
Korea
China
Soviet Union
• Korea was under Japanese control from 1910-1945
• Korea had been promised independence after WWII but, instead, was divided at the 38th parallel with the Soviets controlling the North & the U.S. controlling the South
• UN recognizes only S Korea in ’48
NORTH
SOUTH
THE DIVISION OF KOREALEADERS
SOUTH KOREA NORTH KOREA
Kim-Il-SungLeads N. Korea 1948-1994
Dr. Syngman RheeAn American-educated Korean exile who returned to become the first president of SK in 1948. He was a
fierce opponent of communism but unpopular due to his autocratic nature and actions.
AMERICAN AND SOVIET WITHDRAWAL
• In 1949, the U. S. and the Soviet Union had withdrawn the majority of their troops from Korea.
• With the U.S. & U.S.S.R. gone, Rhee and Sung worked hard on trying to reunite the Korean Peninsula
• Jan. ’50 Acheson refers to Korea as “outside the defense perimeter”
The Flag of North Korea
The Flag of South Korea
THE LOOMING WAR
• During 1949 and the early months of 1950, both North and South Korea were attacking each other.
• U.S. Secretary of State, Dean Acheson, declared that it should be the responsibility of the United Nations to defend South Korea, not the United States.
United States Secretary of State
Dean Acheson
• Spark: June 1950 - N. Korea invades S. Korea; U.N. calls all members to aid S. Korea
• Gen. Douglas MacArthur appointed as Commander of the U.N. troops
• Truman had gone to U.N. for approval of the declaration of war rather than U.S. going in alone BUT… even before war declared, Truman sent in troops.
• Fighting in desegregated troops for the first time.
PUSAN: NK forces soon pushed the SK forces all the way south to Pusan
• INCHON: Sept. 1950, MacArthur makes surprise attack behind N. Korean lines at Inchon
• YALU RIVER: MacArthur pushed the North back to Chinese border at Yalu River
• Chinese communists aid NK– 300,000 – “human waves”– guns melted due to heavy
use
• U.N. troops again pushed S
• April 1951, Gen. MacArthur is fired by President Truman
• WHY?
• MacArthur publicly criticized Truman’s leadership in limiting the war to just Korea – he wanted to start a bigger war with China.
• MacArthur also pushed for the use of nuclear weapons against China - “There is no substitute for victory!”
• Truman declared MacArthur guilty of insubordination and fired MacArthur on April 11, 1951, a move that angered much of the American public.
• STALEMATE, 1951-53: Fighting continues but peace negotiations ongoing
• Major issue in the stalemate is the POW exchange
• Presidential Election of 1952 – Gen. Eisenhower promises to end the war with Korea. Why did Americans believe he could?
• What impact did Stalin’s death in ‘53 have?
• Armistice reached in July, 1953– (Note: Ike did threaten
use of nuclear weapons)
• Dividing line between N& S is set at almost exact same place as they started – 38th parallel
ARMISTICE AGREEMENT
EFFECTS OF THE KOREAN WAR:
• U.S. begins major military buildup; permanent protection of SK• DMZ remains at 38th parallel• Message to U.S.S.R./China that U.S. will fight to halt communism• Civilian control of U.S. military reaffirmed; sets precedent of war conducted by the P rather than Congress• U.S. gets more involved in Asia with military aid (Vietnam!)• Proxy War – U.S. vs. U.S.S.R.
Korean Situation Today• Still divided
• NK extremely poor; SK economically prospering
• N. Korea continues to be a problem:
– Human Rights, aggression, nuclear weapons
– Threat of War real?
– U.N. sanctions, hard line of allies against N. Korea
– Kim Jung Ill is dead but son is in power now, just a new version, trying to prove himself