The Korean War

Agenda1. Bell Ringer: What is containment? Why is this policy started? (5)2. Korean War Notes (20)3. Dismissal of MacArthur activity, Truman’s feelings (15)4. Letters from Constituents. (15)5. Korean War Newsreel (10)6. Review for Test (10)

Obj: Students will analyze the causes and effects of the Korean War. Students will study the reaction of the American Public to the conflict in Korea.

Containment?

• When communism attempts to spread throughout Korea, the United States decides to “contain” it.

US v. Soviet Union• After WWII, both sides

had troops in Korea, and neither side wanted to leave.

• Divided nation along 38th Parallel.

• Soviets leave in 1949 with strong army in place.

• US leaves months later, with a relatively weak army.

North Korea• N. Korea Communists

invade S. Korea in 1950.• Americans win UN

agreement to invade after the Soviets boycott the meeting.

• After MacAuthur decides to move troops into N. Korea, it goes from “containment” to a fight against communism.

Stalemate• American and UN forces

take the northern half of Korea easily. China gets scared.

• They send armies in and push back forces to the 38th.

• MacAuthur said, “we are really fighting the Chinese, lets bomb them.”

• Controversy ensues when Truman and MacAuthur come into conflict.

MacArthur• He writes a letter to

Representative Joseph Martin.

• “There is no substitute for victory.”

• Truman hears about it, and removes MacArthur for insubordination.

• 69% side with MacArthur, and it shows in the election of 1952. – Although the General’s

comments to Congress limited his influence over the people.

Stalemate, again. • Fighting stays within the

38th parallel as a truce is reached between the two sides.

• It takes two years, but the conflict generally ends in 1953.

• We still have bases along the 38th, and now North Korea is experimenting with nuclear weapons.

Letter Activity

• Each group will receive a letter or two from a parent or constituent involved with the Korean Conflict.

• Answer the following question and note the impact of the letter.

1. What is the view of the person writing President Truman? What is their tone?

2. After hearing all of the letters, what is the overall reaction to the war in Korea? Why may this be biased?

Truman v. MacArthur

• Each group will receive a letter or two from a constituent on the firing of Douglas MacArthur

• Answer the following question and note the impact of the letter.

1. What is the view of the person writing President Truman? What is their tone?

2. After hearing all of the letters, what is the overall reaction to the firing of MacArthur?

• Korean War Newsreel • How does the video portray the firing of MacArthur?