Potsdam Conference
After Germany’s surrender in 1945, U.S. President Franklin D
. Roosevelt, Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill (The Big Three) agreed to meet at a conference in Potsdam, Germany from July 17th to August 2nd to decide the post war borders after so much land was gained and lost by different countries in Europe from WWII.[2] This meeting in Potsdam was a continuation of the February meeting in Yalta. While the leaders had no common enemy or interest they came to the conclusion that there was to be a,[3] “complete disarmament and demilitarization of Germany” and thus removed all potentially militant forces from Germany.[4] These actions included the forbidding of weapon reproduction, the repealing of any acts and laws instituted by the Nazi takeover, the trial of Nazi war criminals, and the appropriate deportation of German citizens that settled outside of the new German boundaries. Additionally, the negotiators approved the proposal of a Council of Ministers to be somewhat governing ambassadors of the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and China to make peace treaties with the surrounding countries of Germany. Overall, this conference is known for it’s separate conversation between President Truman and Joseph Stalin informing Stalin of the U.S.’s detonation of the first atomic bomb and the decision to make an army boundary in Korea. The Big Three never met again to discuss postwar matters.[5]
After Germany’s surrender in 1945, U.S. President Franklin D
. Roosevelt, Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill (The Big Three) agreed to meet at a conference in Potsdam, Germany from July 17th to August 2nd to decide the post war borders after so much land was gained and lost by different countries in Europe from WWII.[2] This meeting in Potsdam was a continuation of the February meeting in Yalta. While the leaders had no common enemy or interest they came to the conclusion that there was to be a,[3] “complete disarmament and demilitarization of Germany” and thus removed all potentially militant forces from Germany.[4] These actions included the forbidding of weapon reproduction, the repealing of any acts and laws instituted by the Nazi takeover, the trial of Nazi war criminals, and the appropriate deportation of German citizens that settled outside of the new German boundaries. Additionally, the negotiators approved the proposal of a Council of Ministers to be somewhat governing ambassadors of the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and China to make peace treaties with the surrounding countries of Germany. Overall, this conference is known for it’s separate conversation between President Truman and Joseph Stalin informing Stalin of the U.S.’s detonation of the first atomic bomb and the decision to make an army boundary in Korea. The Big Three never met again to discuss postwar matters.[5]
Korea divides at 38th parallel after WWII
Since the Japanese’s loss ended their occupation in Korea when WWII ended, there was an obvious separation between North and South Korea. The leaders of the U.S. and the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin and Harry S. Truman, agreed to occupy the country together temporarily until a permanent government could be established. [1] General MacArthur eventually took over the U.S.’s affairs in Korea and sought to carry out the formulation of the Truman Doctrine into Asia. The idea of general and free elections in the new government was proposed but never carried out because of disagreement between the Soviet Union and the U.S. for apparent “communist vs. free enterprise” reasons. During the two years that nothing was settled in creating a solid government for all of Korea, there were already independently forming governments in the North and South of Korea. [2]The two territories of Korea officially split at the 38th parallel after WWII when the Big Three decided to create a boundary for militaries at the Potsdam Conference. Later this division was permanent at a demarcation line where there lies a demilitarized zone of 160 miles. [3]The borders of these
[1] "US Enters the Korean Conflict." National Archives and Records Administration. National Archives and Records Administration, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2014.
[2] "Division of Korea." New World Encyclopedia. New World Encyclopedia, 30 Aug. 2013. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
[3] Chung, Kiyul, Dr. "The US and North Korea Are "Legally" Still at War. Another Failed UNSC Resolution against the DPRK." Global Research. Global Research, Jan.-Feb. 2013. Web. 19 Dec. 2014.
Since the Japanese’s loss ended their occupation in Korea when WWII ended, there was an obvious separation between North and South Korea. The leaders of the U.S. and the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin and Harry S. Truman, agreed to occupy the country together temporarily until a permanent government could be established. [1] General MacArthur eventually took over the U.S.’s affairs in Korea and sought to carry out the formulation of the Truman Doctrine into Asia. The idea of general and free elections in the new government was proposed but never carried out because of disagreement between the Soviet Union and the U.S. for apparent “communist vs. free enterprise” reasons. During the two years that nothing was settled in creating a solid government for all of Korea, there were already independently forming governments in the North and South of Korea. [2]The two territories of Korea officially split at the 38th parallel after WWII when the Big Three decided to create a boundary for militaries at the Potsdam Conference. Later this division was permanent at a demarcation line where there lies a demilitarized zone of 160 miles. [3]The borders of these
[1] "US Enters the Korean Conflict." National Archives and Records Administration. National Archives and Records Administration, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2014.
[2] "Division of Korea." New World Encyclopedia. New World Encyclopedia, 30 Aug. 2013. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
[3] Chung, Kiyul, Dr. "The US and North Korea Are "Legally" Still at War. Another Failed UNSC Resolution against the DPRK." Global Research. Global Research, Jan.-Feb. 2013. Web. 19 Dec. 2014.
The Communist North and American South Back Opposing Governments
Many Historians argue that the next course of action the United States and Soviet Union took marked the beginning of the Cold War as well as the Korean War. The Soviets and Americans no longer held a common enemy and shared no interests and after a series of disagreements over the ideological differences of communism to a representative government, [1]both countries took it upon themselves to make opposing governments in the North and South of Korea. Joseph Stalin, leader of the Soviets, successfully worked to make the North a permanent communist state called the Provisional People’s Committee for North Korea. Stalin accomplished this by closely fostering Kim II-sung who previously fought with the Soviets in WWII. [2]Kim II-sung was officially elected President in 1972 and soon launched the invasion of South Korea initiating the beginning of the Korean War. [3]John R. Hodge was assigned by General MacArthur to be the military governor of South Korea for the U.S. Hodge and his troops went to South Korea on September 9th, 1945 and organized the establishment of a pro-Western state in the South known as the People’s Republic of Korea. Each of which claimed sole power over all of the Korean Peninsula.
[1] “Korea Divided." Korea Divided. Heeling Jesuit University/NASA-supported Classroom of the Future, 28 Apr. 2005. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
[2] The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. "John R. Hodge (United States General)."Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
[3 The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. "John R. Hodge (United States General)."Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
Many Historians argue that the next course of action the United States and Soviet Union took marked the beginning of the Cold War as well as the Korean War. The Soviets and Americans no longer held a common enemy and shared no interests and after a series of disagreements over the ideological differences of communism to a representative government, [1]both countries took it upon themselves to make opposing governments in the North and South of Korea. Joseph Stalin, leader of the Soviets, successfully worked to make the North a permanent communist state called the Provisional People’s Committee for North Korea. Stalin accomplished this by closely fostering Kim II-sung who previously fought with the Soviets in WWII. [2]Kim II-sung was officially elected President in 1972 and soon launched the invasion of South Korea initiating the beginning of the Korean War. [3]John R. Hodge was assigned by General MacArthur to be the military governor of South Korea for the U.S. Hodge and his troops went to South Korea on September 9th, 1945 and organized the establishment of a pro-Western state in the South known as the People’s Republic of Korea. Each of which claimed sole power over all of the Korean Peninsula.
[1] “Korea Divided." Korea Divided. Heeling Jesuit University/NASA-supported Classroom of the Future, 28 Apr. 2005. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
[2] The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. "John R. Hodge (United States General)."Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
[3 The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. "John R. Hodge (United States General)."Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
North Korea Invades South Korea
In 1948 both the Soviet Union and America agreed to back out of Korea and recognize both North and South Korean governments stating that they both have authority over the entire country.[1] The two Korean governments had for quite a while been trying to reunite the entire country but each government had their own terms and had quite a bit of trouble finding a compromise. This was further exacerbated with the problems between the Soviet Union and America who supported different sides of the conflict. As such both countries agreed to withdraw from Korea and left. However in June 1950 North Korea invaded South Korea with Stalin’s approval and knowledge.[2] Stalin had been cautious about supporting an invasion of South Korea because he feared a large war with the US but by April 1950 he had changed his mind and the invasion was started. This change in opinion was brought about because in 1949 the Soviet Union had successfully tested their first atomic bomb which would mean the US would be more cautious about any dealings with Russian military. Stalin also believed that South Korea was not a very large priority to the US as they did not pass a bill to send financial aid and the secretary of state at the time implied that South Korea was not that important to the United States.[3]
[1] Roberts, John M. "History of the World Sixth Edition." OUPblog. Oxford University, 25 June 1950. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.
[2] Roberts John. “History of the World Sixth Edition”
[3] "The War Begins-the Invasion of South Korea." The Korean War. Australian Government, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
In 1948 both the Soviet Union and America agreed to back out of Korea and recognize both North and South Korean governments stating that they both have authority over the entire country.[1] The two Korean governments had for quite a while been trying to reunite the entire country but each government had their own terms and had quite a bit of trouble finding a compromise. This was further exacerbated with the problems between the Soviet Union and America who supported different sides of the conflict. As such both countries agreed to withdraw from Korea and left. However in June 1950 North Korea invaded South Korea with Stalin’s approval and knowledge.[2] Stalin had been cautious about supporting an invasion of South Korea because he feared a large war with the US but by April 1950 he had changed his mind and the invasion was started. This change in opinion was brought about because in 1949 the Soviet Union had successfully tested their first atomic bomb which would mean the US would be more cautious about any dealings with Russian military. Stalin also believed that South Korea was not a very large priority to the US as they did not pass a bill to send financial aid and the secretary of state at the time implied that South Korea was not that important to the United States.[3]
[1] Roberts, John M. "History of the World Sixth Edition." OUPblog. Oxford University, 25 June 1950. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.
[2] Roberts John. “History of the World Sixth Edition”
[3] "The War Begins-the Invasion of South Korea." The Korean War. Australian Government, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
United Nations join war
The United Nations Security Council met the same day as the North Korean invasion. The US stated that North Korea had broken world peace and nine out of the eleven members of the Security Council agreed. Russia was boycotting the UN as the UN did not recognize Mao’s communist Chinese government and one country abstained. This was really detrimental to the Soviet Union because if they had been at the meeting they could have vetoed the vote.[1] To make things more challenging for the Soviet Union the US sent troops to South Korea before the UN conference, which was against UN laws but what it essentially did was turn the vote into either angering the US or allow troops to be sent to North Korea.[2] As it was the United Nations did find that North Korea broke world peace and ordered them to withdraw past the 38th parallel. Not surprisingly North Korea ignored the United Nation’s order and on June 27th America called for a use of force from the United Nations. Russia was still boycotting the UN and could not use their veto and as such the United Nations again agreed to use force. While the US always used the most troops sixteen member states agreed to send troops. The troops sent by other nations by the UN never even came close to the amount sent by the US who sent 90% of all army personnel 86% of navy power and 90% of air power.[3]
[1] “The United Nations and the Korean War". HistoryLearningSite.co.uk. 2014. Web.
[2] Hauban, Ronda. "The Role of the UN in the Unending Korean War. "United Nations Command" as Camouflage." Global Research. N.p., 21 Sept. 2013. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
[3] “The United Nations and the Korean War”
The United Nations Security Council met the same day as the North Korean invasion. The US stated that North Korea had broken world peace and nine out of the eleven members of the Security Council agreed. Russia was boycotting the UN as the UN did not recognize Mao’s communist Chinese government and one country abstained. This was really detrimental to the Soviet Union because if they had been at the meeting they could have vetoed the vote.[1] To make things more challenging for the Soviet Union the US sent troops to South Korea before the UN conference, which was against UN laws but what it essentially did was turn the vote into either angering the US or allow troops to be sent to North Korea.[2] As it was the United Nations did find that North Korea broke world peace and ordered them to withdraw past the 38th parallel. Not surprisingly North Korea ignored the United Nation’s order and on June 27th America called for a use of force from the United Nations. Russia was still boycotting the UN and could not use their veto and as such the United Nations again agreed to use force. While the US always used the most troops sixteen member states agreed to send troops. The troops sent by other nations by the UN never even came close to the amount sent by the US who sent 90% of all army personnel 86% of navy power and 90% of air power.[3]
[1] “The United Nations and the Korean War". HistoryLearningSite.co.uk. 2014. Web.
[2] Hauban, Ronda. "The Role of the UN in the Unending Korean War. "United Nations Command" as Camouflage." Global Research. N.p., 21 Sept. 2013. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
[3] “The United Nations and the Korean War”
Defense of Pusan and invasion of Inchon
North Korean forces backed by Soviet Union equipment and training steamrolled through South Koreas meager forces in the first months of the year. The UN needed time to organize and send their troops and the United State’s forces were only now trickling in. Walton Walker led the US forces and was forced to fight a delaying battle to give the US time to build up enough forces for a counter attack. Unfortunately South Korea only had one deep-water port in Pusan, which must be held at all costs to ferry reserves into South Korea. But by the end of July Walter had run out of room and the US forces were forced to either stand or die. American troops retreated behind the Naktong River and prepared to fight for their lives. Thankfully the US air force held complete dominance of the skies allowing US troops to easily move around the battlefield but the US forces were outnumbered and outgunned. Walker used a strategy that at this point was only theoretical and put only small forces in the front lines with a large force held in reserve. The American forces were slowly pushed back but they were able to grimly hold on until the UN forces organized and attacked Inchon, which was far behind North Korean Battle lines at this point.[1] The first troops landed at Inchon on September 15th 1950 at 6:30 AM and took the port with very few casualties. They were however forced to go on the defensive, as the rough currents in the port did not allow reinforcements to land until 5:30 PM of that same day. The UN forces faced few casualties and the port was quickly taken disrupting North Korean supply lines and completely changing the course of the war.[2]
[1] Zabecki, David. "Stand or Die - 1950 Defense of Korea's Pusan perimeter." Historynet. History MAgazine, 1 May 2009. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
[2] Hickman, Kennedy. "Korean War: Inchon Landing." About Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
North Korean forces backed by Soviet Union equipment and training steamrolled through South Koreas meager forces in the first months of the year. The UN needed time to organize and send their troops and the United State’s forces were only now trickling in. Walton Walker led the US forces and was forced to fight a delaying battle to give the US time to build up enough forces for a counter attack. Unfortunately South Korea only had one deep-water port in Pusan, which must be held at all costs to ferry reserves into South Korea. But by the end of July Walter had run out of room and the US forces were forced to either stand or die. American troops retreated behind the Naktong River and prepared to fight for their lives. Thankfully the US air force held complete dominance of the skies allowing US troops to easily move around the battlefield but the US forces were outnumbered and outgunned. Walker used a strategy that at this point was only theoretical and put only small forces in the front lines with a large force held in reserve. The American forces were slowly pushed back but they were able to grimly hold on until the UN forces organized and attacked Inchon, which was far behind North Korean Battle lines at this point.[1] The first troops landed at Inchon on September 15th 1950 at 6:30 AM and took the port with very few casualties. They were however forced to go on the defensive, as the rough currents in the port did not allow reinforcements to land until 5:30 PM of that same day. The UN forces faced few casualties and the port was quickly taken disrupting North Korean supply lines and completely changing the course of the war.[2]
[1] Zabecki, David. "Stand or Die - 1950 Defense of Korea's Pusan perimeter." Historynet. History MAgazine, 1 May 2009. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
[2] Hickman, Kennedy. "Korean War: Inchon Landing." About Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
China enters war
MacArthur, an American five star general thought that the North Korean army had been fundamentally destroyed by the time October of 1950 came and, against the recommendations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, forces were then sent into the northernmost parts of North Korea. His troops were met with destruction when Chinese Communist troops began attacking his forces. General MacArthur, against the orders of President Truman, pushed the North Korean forces to the Yalu River, which separated China and North Korea. Communist China felt threatened by the act and sent the PLA across the Yalu and routed the UN forces, forcing them to retreat far south. MacArthur was dismissed for his insubordination as a result. China got involved to ward off the U.S. from having more capitalist governments adjoining their country. When UN forces invaded North Korea, they were getting too close to the Chinese border so Chinese forces invaded North Korea to push them off completely and they ended up invading South Korea.[1] The Chinese stopped their maneuvers in South Korea after a burst of heavy U.S. firepower from the skies over Korea. The battle became a bitter stalemate until 1953 when the warring parities signed a ceasefire agreement and created a Korean demilitarized zone. Technically, the war never ended, so both South and North Korea are still at war and have been for 60 years. There has just been a suspension of hostilities. [2]
[1] "HISTORY Support." HISTORY Support. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
[2] "Chinese Counterattacks in Korea Change Nature of War." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
MacArthur, an American five star general thought that the North Korean army had been fundamentally destroyed by the time October of 1950 came and, against the recommendations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, forces were then sent into the northernmost parts of North Korea. His troops were met with destruction when Chinese Communist troops began attacking his forces. General MacArthur, against the orders of President Truman, pushed the North Korean forces to the Yalu River, which separated China and North Korea. Communist China felt threatened by the act and sent the PLA across the Yalu and routed the UN forces, forcing them to retreat far south. MacArthur was dismissed for his insubordination as a result. China got involved to ward off the U.S. from having more capitalist governments adjoining their country. When UN forces invaded North Korea, they were getting too close to the Chinese border so Chinese forces invaded North Korea to push them off completely and they ended up invading South Korea.[1] The Chinese stopped their maneuvers in South Korea after a burst of heavy U.S. firepower from the skies over Korea. The battle became a bitter stalemate until 1953 when the warring parities signed a ceasefire agreement and created a Korean demilitarized zone. Technically, the war never ended, so both South and North Korea are still at war and have been for 60 years. There has just been a suspension of hostilities. [2]
[1] "HISTORY Support." HISTORY Support. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
[2] "Chinese Counterattacks in Korea Change Nature of War." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
Ridgeway launched Operation Piledriver on the Iron Triangle
The Iron Triangle was a region of land that contained many of the enemy’s power in three distinct villages, Chorwon, Kumhwa and Pyongyang. This area housed numerous railways and highways, which provided the communist soldiers with freedom of movement. This Operation was the beginning of a plan to capture Chorwan and Kumwha and formed a defensive line called Wyoming. This defensive line was twelve miles north of the preexisting Kansas line. This operation was handed to General Ridgeway after MacArthur was fired.[1] One problem that got in the way of the completion of Operation Piledriver were the weather conditions in the region, including frequent monsoons. These extreme weather conditions sometimes dissolved the highways and roads into quicksand. The UN troops often entered in to open combat with Chinese and North Korean troops. The Air Force struggled to help the troops due to because of harsh weather conditions. On the 12th of June the army reached Chorwon and Kumhwa, which had been abandoned. The American forces fought to the Wyoming line and held Pyongyang for a short period of time. But on the 14th of June; however Chinese forces took over the city three days later. During the course of this offensive 231 Americans were killed and 1,787 wounded. This operation forced communist forces out of some of their strongest and most fortified positions. This was the last large scale offensive undertaken by America during the war and led to a cease fire on June 23rd and opened up peace talks with the communist leaders.[2]
[1] Appleby, Joyce Oldham. The American Vision: Modern times. Columbus, OH: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print.
[2] SparkNotes. SparkNotes, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
The Iron Triangle was a region of land that contained many of the enemy’s power in three distinct villages, Chorwon, Kumhwa and Pyongyang. This area housed numerous railways and highways, which provided the communist soldiers with freedom of movement. This Operation was the beginning of a plan to capture Chorwan and Kumwha and formed a defensive line called Wyoming. This defensive line was twelve miles north of the preexisting Kansas line. This operation was handed to General Ridgeway after MacArthur was fired.[1] One problem that got in the way of the completion of Operation Piledriver were the weather conditions in the region, including frequent monsoons. These extreme weather conditions sometimes dissolved the highways and roads into quicksand. The UN troops often entered in to open combat with Chinese and North Korean troops. The Air Force struggled to help the troops due to because of harsh weather conditions. On the 12th of June the army reached Chorwon and Kumhwa, which had been abandoned. The American forces fought to the Wyoming line and held Pyongyang for a short period of time. But on the 14th of June; however Chinese forces took over the city three days later. During the course of this offensive 231 Americans were killed and 1,787 wounded. This operation forced communist forces out of some of their strongest and most fortified positions. This was the last large scale offensive undertaken by America during the war and led to a cease fire on June 23rd and opened up peace talks with the communist leaders.[2]
[1] Appleby, Joyce Oldham. The American Vision: Modern times. Columbus, OH: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print.
[2] SparkNotes. SparkNotes, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
Truman and McArthur meeting; McArthur relieved of command.
On the 5th of April president Truman dismissed the venerated general MacArthur causing an uproar among Americans and dooming his chances for re-election. This decision was made primarily because of General MacArthur's disregard for the policies of the Truman administration as well as his failure to anticipate China being a threat. Another major factor in general MacArthur's dismissal was his disregard for the wishes of the United Nations. Many of MacArthur's views on China were not shared by many other leaders and nations. He believed that the United States should focus more of its strength on China and lessen our presence in Korea. MacArthur also believed that China was completely separate from Russia’s interests and would not intervene, contrary to what many others believed at the time. MacArthur openly criticized Truman's actions towards china as appeasement and went against Truman’s instructions to keep American forces off the Chinese border. The biggest reason for MacArthur's dismissal however came from a statement that he made toward the Chinese government on the twenty third of March.[1] During this time, many people in Washington thought that a ceasefire agreement could be reached with the Chinese and Korean forces and on the seventeenth of March the president prepared a statement for the Chinese prompting a cease-fire. On the twenty third of March however MacArthur circumvented Truman's statement and issued his own in which he called for China's surrender and insulted their military. This communication prevented any further chance of establishing a ceasefire at the time. Truman’s dismissal of MacArthur was found to be constitutional and within his power.[2]
[1] "Truman Relieves MacArthur of Duties in Korea." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
[2] Appleby, Joyce Oldham. The American Vision: Modern times. Columbus, OH: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print.
On the 5th of April president Truman dismissed the venerated general MacArthur causing an uproar among Americans and dooming his chances for re-election. This decision was made primarily because of General MacArthur's disregard for the policies of the Truman administration as well as his failure to anticipate China being a threat. Another major factor in general MacArthur's dismissal was his disregard for the wishes of the United Nations. Many of MacArthur's views on China were not shared by many other leaders and nations. He believed that the United States should focus more of its strength on China and lessen our presence in Korea. MacArthur also believed that China was completely separate from Russia’s interests and would not intervene, contrary to what many others believed at the time. MacArthur openly criticized Truman's actions towards china as appeasement and went against Truman’s instructions to keep American forces off the Chinese border. The biggest reason for MacArthur's dismissal however came from a statement that he made toward the Chinese government on the twenty third of March.[1] During this time, many people in Washington thought that a ceasefire agreement could be reached with the Chinese and Korean forces and on the seventeenth of March the president prepared a statement for the Chinese prompting a cease-fire. On the twenty third of March however MacArthur circumvented Truman's statement and issued his own in which he called for China's surrender and insulted their military. This communication prevented any further chance of establishing a ceasefire at the time. Truman’s dismissal of MacArthur was found to be constitutional and within his power.[2]
[1] "Truman Relieves MacArthur of Duties in Korea." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
[2] Appleby, Joyce Oldham. The American Vision: Modern times. Columbus, OH: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print.
racial integration in combat units
On July 26 1948 President Truman made a policy that all races should have the same eligibility as others. This meant that African Americans would be on the same combat squad as white people and other races would have the same opportunities by saying "equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin." With this, Truman also put in the works of a presidential committee to prevent segregation when the US went to South Korea the U.S. The Koreans often called this the lost war but helped shape modern combat today. Because this was the first war that we had mixed races it made us have normal people work with different races. Who know what would have happened if we did not have racial Integration with the whole military it would be a lot [1]different on the battle lines. When he did this he had a committee come up with the 9981 policy that made the people have more and more rights which meant that they could be in the same squad as other people and they did no have to go some where else to fight.
[1] truman library ." 9981 segregation . N.p., Nov. 2013. Web. 19 Dec. 2014. <http://www.trumanlibrary.org/anniversaries/desegblurb.htm>
On July 26 1948 President Truman made a policy that all races should have the same eligibility as others. This meant that African Americans would be on the same combat squad as white people and other races would have the same opportunities by saying "equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin." With this, Truman also put in the works of a presidential committee to prevent segregation when the US went to South Korea the U.S. The Koreans often called this the lost war but helped shape modern combat today. Because this was the first war that we had mixed races it made us have normal people work with different races. Who know what would have happened if we did not have racial Integration with the whole military it would be a lot [1]different on the battle lines. When he did this he had a committee come up with the 9981 policy that made the people have more and more rights which meant that they could be in the same squad as other people and they did no have to go some where else to fight.
[1] truman library ." 9981 segregation . N.p., Nov. 2013. Web. 19 Dec. 2014. <http://www.trumanlibrary.org/anniversaries/desegblurb.htm>
Truman doesn't run for re-election Eisenhower becomes president Truman was a very controversial figure after the Korean War and many Americans like him and as such he did not run for a second term. One of the main reasons people did not like him was because he made some questionable decisions during the Korean war. [1]Eisenhower had a commanding lead for the polls when he was going for the republican side of voting. Truman was not important during the war he was there because the us needed a president. In 1952 senator taft came in to the GOP nominations at this time we also had a new organization coming N.A.T.O or north Atlantic treaty organization. The US had lost million of people in the Korean war and had also lost a lot of money.[1]
[1]university of Virgina. mills center . mills center , 2014. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
[1]university of Virgina. mills center . mills center , 2014. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
Air Attacks on Pyongyang
When North Korea invaded south Korea the Korean war started when south Korea needed our help we went to Pyongyang an did a air attack on them these air attacks killed many this was one of the tactics that made America help south korea using radio signals and f 80 the Americans had a [1]competive edge in aerial warfare on September 20 b 29 hit barracks near Pyongyang of all the b 29 planes there was 629 tons of explosives bombed in north Korea. To combat at the attacks Pyongyang sent out 6 bombers a day and dropped 6,213 tons of explosives .[2] we also saw many new things of technology appear during this time. We saw new ways to track the enemy and shot them. Also they had new planes that where used more and more. The combat did not just end at the days but there was a lot of bombings at night. This when Pyongyang fought back the most when each night they whould have 6 planes go to south Korea and bomb them. At the end of the war there was millions of dollars in debt and in damages but the biggest cost was how many people died
[1]
The U.S. Air Force's First War: Korea 1950-1953 Significant Events. N.p., 2000. Web. 19 Dec. 2014. <http://www.afhra.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090611-098.pdf>.
[2]DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER. N.p., Dec. 1999. Web. 19 Dec. 2014. <http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/kowar/50-unof/un-2a.htm>.
[1]
The U.S. Air Force's First War: Korea 1950-1953 Significant Events. N.p., 2000. Web. 19 Dec. 2014. <http://www.afhra.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090611-098.pdf>.
[2]DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER. N.p., Dec. 1999. Web. 19 Dec. 2014. <http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/kowar/50-unof/un-2a.htm>.
Battle for Pork Chop Hill
Pork Chop Hill was named after its shape from a bird’s eye view. Many battles had been fought to capture it on both sides with varying degrees of success since 1952. It was held by Americans and served in the late part of the war as an early warning system and first line of defence against Chinese attack while it was held. It had 45 American bunkers connected by trenches, with one receiving the supply of food and passing it around to the others. Most of the time Pork Chop Hill was occupied by 150 Americans in 1953.[1] However, on April 16, 1953, one of the nights the Chinese attacked, a new company was switching over and only about half had arrived so far. Additionally, at the time of the attack 10 men were out on patrol. Additionally, battles near the hill resulted in the Chinese controlling land on multiple sides, allowing for easier flanking. As a result, the hill was taken, but a renewed attempt brought it back under American control the next day. In all that time, nine American artillery battalions had fired 100,000 rounds in those fights. It was last taken by the Chinese on July 11, with the Americans finally surrendering it.
Pork Chop Hill was named after its shape from a bird’s eye view. Many battles had been fought to capture it on both sides with varying degrees of success since 1952. It was held by Americans and served in the late part of the war as an early warning system and first line of defence against Chinese attack while it was held. It had 45 American bunkers connected by trenches, with one receiving the supply of food and passing it around to the others. Most of the time Pork Chop Hill was occupied by 150 Americans in 1953.[1] However, on April 16, 1953, one of the nights the Chinese attacked, a new company was switching over and only about half had arrived so far. Additionally, at the time of the attack 10 men were out on patrol. Additionally, battles near the hill resulted in the Chinese controlling land on multiple sides, allowing for easier flanking. As a result, the hill was taken, but a renewed attempt brought it back under American control the next day. In all that time, nine American artillery battalions had fired 100,000 rounds in those fights. It was last taken by the Chinese on July 11, with the Americans finally surrendering it.
Peace Talks and Panmunjom
The negotiations at Panmunjom originally began because the United States as well as other UN nations came to realize that the Korean War couldn’t be won by taking over North Korea, and that their best course of action was to agree to a cease-fire and settle for keeping half of Korea free from Communism. Soon after that, China and the Soviet Union came to the same conclusion, and the negotiations began on July 10, 1951 in Kaesong. In mid-October, the talks were moved to Panmunjom, after the Communists tried to break off the negotiations.[1] Unlike most negotiations, this one didn’t stop combat until the final agreement was made, and many battles were fought during this time to influence the negotiations. The negotiations were mostly in a constant stalemate due to the vastly different ideologies of the two sides and their desire to come out of the negotiations without letting the other side get some manner of upper hand. The main issues that were argued were the final placement of borders between North and South Korea and the exchange of prisoners of war. The final agreement for the border was decided be whatever territory was held by the end of the negotiations, resulting in battles to just claim land. However, by this point both sides had dug in and the result was trench warfare like WWI, with about as much change in the borders. Ultimately, the line ended up being along the 38th parallel. Additionally, both sides agreed to create a 4-kilometer wide demilitarized zone, with both sides retreating 2km from their current locations at the front. This line has not changed since then. Despite the negotiations and cease-fire on July 27, 1953, North and South Korea never officially ended the war, and it technically continues to this day, albeit without any combat. [2]
The negotiations at Panmunjom originally began because the United States as well as other UN nations came to realize that the Korean War couldn’t be won by taking over North Korea, and that their best course of action was to agree to a cease-fire and settle for keeping half of Korea free from Communism. Soon after that, China and the Soviet Union came to the same conclusion, and the negotiations began on July 10, 1951 in Kaesong. In mid-October, the talks were moved to Panmunjom, after the Communists tried to break off the negotiations.[1] Unlike most negotiations, this one didn’t stop combat until the final agreement was made, and many battles were fought during this time to influence the negotiations. The negotiations were mostly in a constant stalemate due to the vastly different ideologies of the two sides and their desire to come out of the negotiations without letting the other side get some manner of upper hand. The main issues that were argued were the final placement of borders between North and South Korea and the exchange of prisoners of war. The final agreement for the border was decided be whatever territory was held by the end of the negotiations, resulting in battles to just claim land. However, by this point both sides had dug in and the result was trench warfare like WWI, with about as much change in the borders. Ultimately, the line ended up being along the 38th parallel. Additionally, both sides agreed to create a 4-kilometer wide demilitarized zone, with both sides retreating 2km from their current locations at the front. This line has not changed since then. Despite the negotiations and cease-fire on July 27, 1953, North and South Korea never officially ended the war, and it technically continues to this day, albeit without any combat. [2]
[1] "KOREAN WAR". History-world.org. Web. 3 Dec 2014
[2] "Ceasefire at Panmunjom, 27 July 1953". korean-war.commemoration.gov.au. Web. Dec 3 2014
[2] "Ceasefire at Panmunjom, 27 July 1953". korean-war.commemoration.gov.au. Web. Dec 3 2014
Exchange of POW’s
POW’s were a major conflict in the negotiations to end the Korean War. Both sides had different numbers on how many men were in the other’s prison camps vs. how many were still in the prison camps; and in some cases how many wanted to return to their home countries. This made negotiating the issue problematic in the extreme. The communists claimed to be missing 188,000 men but only 81,000 were returned at the end of the war. [1] A handful were killed in prison riots, some went Missing in Action, and over 22,000 simply didn’t want to go back, among some of the reasons behind this. The communists also knew that many wouldn’t want to return and so disagreed with the UN’s desire to simply let the POW’s stay or leave as they chose. [2] The UN claimed to be missing 65,000 but only a fifth that many were returned. About as many died in captivity. What happened to the rest is a mystery, even to this day. As a result, there were many disagreements about whether or not the other side had returned all of their prisoners; which further delayed the negotiations to end the war.
POW’s were a major conflict in the negotiations to end the Korean War. Both sides had different numbers on how many men were in the other’s prison camps vs. how many were still in the prison camps; and in some cases how many wanted to return to their home countries. This made negotiating the issue problematic in the extreme. The communists claimed to be missing 188,000 men but only 81,000 were returned at the end of the war. [1] A handful were killed in prison riots, some went Missing in Action, and over 22,000 simply didn’t want to go back, among some of the reasons behind this. The communists also knew that many wouldn’t want to return and so disagreed with the UN’s desire to simply let the POW’s stay or leave as they chose. [2] The UN claimed to be missing 65,000 but only a fifth that many were returned. About as many died in captivity. What happened to the rest is a mystery, even to this day. As a result, there were many disagreements about whether or not the other side had returned all of their prisoners; which further delayed the negotiations to end the war.
Two RAAF POW's shortly after being released.
G.I. Babies and Immigration Law
After the signing of the Armistice and Prisoner of War exchange, U.S. soldiers returning home faced a new social issue. During the Korean War, many soldiers took Korean wives, and a few had children. These children were known as G.I. babies because of their military heritage. Being of mixed ethnicity, G.I. babies often faced issues trying to live in Korea. It was against Korean culture to have children with people of a different race, so many of these military families ended up shunned by their society.[1] A few of these families ended up leaving for America with the soldiers, however many others were abandoned. These abandoned G.I. babies were often given up to adoption, in hopes of being taken to America. However, at this time there were still many Immigration laws from the 1920’s that banned Asians from moving to the United States. A small fraction of the Korean brides and children were allowed to comes to the United States by stating their attachment to the Military officer in their family, but many others were denied entry. These laws were changed in 1956 by the passing of the Immigration and Nationality Act also called the Hart-Celler Act. This law was signed by U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 3rd, 1965. The act abolished quotas based on national origin, gearing entry regulations towards the skill level of an immigrant. Once this law was passed, many Koreans, especially the relatives of those married to soldiers, were able to relocate to the United States. This was a large step in the acceptance by the United States of Asian cultures and countries. Many Koreans were able to move to America and take high skill jobs such as being medical doctors. However, it created a whole new class of citizens in Korea, who were often shunned by other Koreans. Children of mixed race that were born in Korea were segregated in the education system and in society in general. It could be said that these events had both good and bad impacts on the cultures of these two countries. In some ways the events made Americans more accepting of diversity while in Korea there was a struggle to accept the mixed race Korean-American children. [2]
[1] Appleby, Joyce Oldham. The American Vision: Modern times. Columbus, OH: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print.
[2] "Dissertations & Theses - Gradworks." ProQuest Document View. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
After the signing of the Armistice and Prisoner of War exchange, U.S. soldiers returning home faced a new social issue. During the Korean War, many soldiers took Korean wives, and a few had children. These children were known as G.I. babies because of their military heritage. Being of mixed ethnicity, G.I. babies often faced issues trying to live in Korea. It was against Korean culture to have children with people of a different race, so many of these military families ended up shunned by their society.[1] A few of these families ended up leaving for America with the soldiers, however many others were abandoned. These abandoned G.I. babies were often given up to adoption, in hopes of being taken to America. However, at this time there were still many Immigration laws from the 1920’s that banned Asians from moving to the United States. A small fraction of the Korean brides and children were allowed to comes to the United States by stating their attachment to the Military officer in their family, but many others were denied entry. These laws were changed in 1956 by the passing of the Immigration and Nationality Act also called the Hart-Celler Act. This law was signed by U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 3rd, 1965. The act abolished quotas based on national origin, gearing entry regulations towards the skill level of an immigrant. Once this law was passed, many Koreans, especially the relatives of those married to soldiers, were able to relocate to the United States. This was a large step in the acceptance by the United States of Asian cultures and countries. Many Koreans were able to move to America and take high skill jobs such as being medical doctors. However, it created a whole new class of citizens in Korea, who were often shunned by other Koreans. Children of mixed race that were born in Korea were segregated in the education system and in society in general. It could be said that these events had both good and bad impacts on the cultures of these two countries. In some ways the events made Americans more accepting of diversity while in Korea there was a struggle to accept the mixed race Korean-American children. [2]
[1] Appleby, Joyce Oldham. The American Vision: Modern times. Columbus, OH: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print.
[2] "Dissertations & Theses - Gradworks." ProQuest Document View. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.