Korean and Vietnam Wars

Unit #4 International Conflict

Korean War

• The cold war began to involve more eastern countries, as Stalin was interested in trade relations with China.

• China turned communist in 1949 and were becoming increasingly powerful.

• Also in 1949 Leader of North Korea, Kim Il Sung had convinced Stalin in Russia and Mao Tse Tung in China to support them as they invaded South Korea.

The Reaction of the UN

• The United States highly influenced the UN to back South Korea from a complete ‘take over’

• The UN sent 300,000 troops – 260,000 of which were American.

• General Douglas MacArthur, on the defense, pushed North Korean troops back almost to the border of China in their initial reaction

China’s Reaction

• China stepped in and sent an additional 200,000 troops armed with Russian weapons – These troops called themselves ‘the peoples’

volunteers’• China, Russia and North Korea were united on 2

principals – Dictatorship, and their hatred of the United States

• Although this war does not seem to have much to do with the ‘cold war’, the United States and Russia watched each others moves closely

Cold War Tension

• Officially, the United States were involved in this incident through the United Nations

• Officially, Russia was involved in this incident through North Korea

• As it became known of each others influence on the war, it became more apparent that this war could be used as a demonstration of power and influence on a global level.

Korean War Continued

• With the help of the 200,000 Chinese, the remaining North Koreans pushed the United States and the UN out of North Korea and recaptured part of the South.

• Lead Commander, General Douglas MacArthur urged the President of the United States to use Nuclear weapons.

The Demise of MacArthur

• MacArthur’s urging to use Nuclear Weapons became known to Americans, and in turn, to the rest of the world.

• Truman denied the request, and exercised his authority as President to relieve MacArthur of his duties.

1951

• Although Truman did not use nuclear weapons, he did step up the bombing raids and attacks on the Chinese and North Koreans.

• In this process of reclaiming the South, an estimated 400,000 Chinese and North Koreans were killed.

• Also, over 50,000 Americans were killed.

Back Home

• The war was highly criticized as a result of the casualties

• In 1953, Truman lost the election, and Dwight Eisenhower became president– A formal truce was announced, and all military

advancements were halted

• An estimated 10 million people died during this war.

Korean War in a nutshell

Global Reaction

• Both Russia and the United States demonstrated their influence and exercised some of their ability in warfare.

• The United States was seen to show restraint by not using nuclear weapons– This was also an act of ‘compromise’

• The truce reached between the UN and North Korea signified more compromise, though too late.

Vietnam War

• Vietnam was controlled for a century by France.

• As time progressed, Vietnamese demanded more self governance, much to the demise of France.

• Leader of the Vietnamese Nationalist forces, Ho Chi Minh, deemed Vietnam an independent country

A context of the times…WW2

• France lost its authority in Vietnam during WW2 when France was occupied by NAZI Germany. Japan took control over the country.

• Ho Chi Minh and his nationalist party resisted the Japanese influence, and began to spread across Vietnam

French Reaction• Not pleased with Ho Chi Minh, France decided to

try to take back Vietnam.• French forces pushed Ho Chi Minh back to

Northern Vietnam• Ho Chi Minh appealed to the United States for

assistance• The United States refused their plea out of fear

that Ho Chi Minh’s communist tendency may not be favourable– The United States backed France instead

Cold War Influence

• The fear of communist rule was a direct result of the cold war between the democratic United States, and Communist Russia.

• It was believed that Ho Chi Minh’s communist ideals would eventually cross paths with Russia – therefore, the United States did not want to assist them.

• The States began to support South Vietnamese politician Ngo Dinh Diem, and ultimately helped him win the South Vietnam election in 1955

Diem Regime

• This power seemingly proved to be corrupt time and again.

• Nevertheless, the fear of communist rule led to continued support of the United States.

• President Kennedy sent military personal to train the South Vietnamese government to lead democratically.

• Evidently, this proved to be a failure.

Coup D'état

• The US backed a coup d'état and installed a new government– This government was just as corrupt as the

overthrown

Withdrawing Troops

• President Linden Johnston wanted to begin to minimize the US presence of troops in Vietnam – however, he wanted to honour Kennedy’s actions.

• This slight withdrawal lead to Vietnam attacks.• Once again, heavy warfare ensued and almost

400,000 Americans were fighting in Vietnam.

Fighting

• Though the United States were a big presence in Vietnam, the guerilla tactics by Vietnamese were incredibly effective in defending Vietnam.

• Unconventional methods of weapons were now being used – napalm, ‘Agent Orange’

•

President Nixon• Nixon made the promise to the American people

to begin a complete withdrawal of troops in Vietnam.

• In a last ditch effort to ‘win the war’ Nixon expanded the geographical bombing area to neutralize the Viet Cong (Minh’s group)

• He did this illegally as he did not consult congress.

• This revelation made Nixon look bad, and as a result, Nixon felt he had to act quickly to withdraw troops. Peace talks began.

Opportunity Knocks

• The peace talks ultimately gave the North Vietnamese an opportunity to strike.

• In April of 1975, Nixon resigned, and North Vietnam successfully took over the South – ending the Vietnam War.

•

The Global Result

• After years of violence and unrest, Vietnam achieved its goal

• The United States involvement proved to be pitiful at best.