Korean War Lessons

Prompt:

It is 1952. A new president, Eisenhower, has been elected in the US. Your task is to write a report for him on what lessons the United States can learn from the war. Your report should advise the President on:

the US aims in Korea
how the support of the UN helped
how far the US achieved its aims
whether MacArthur should have been allowed to invade North Korea
why MacArthur was removed
the military and civilian cost of war


For each point you will need to use the sources and text on pages 338-41 to compile your answer.

Finally, make up your own mind as to whether, on balance, the policy of containment succeeded and then write up your ideas as a balanced report.

Aims:
The US intended at first to occupy Korea to prevent the soviets from advancing. After the communists invaded south Korea, however, the US wanted push them back. The Inchon landing worked so well, they decided they wanted to free all of Korea.

UN:
The UN was important because the US wanted the world on their side and opposing communism.

If the US reached their aims:
They did not protect Korea from invasion, and the US did not successfully free North Korea, but they did maintain the border at the 38th parallel.

Invasion of North Korea:
MacArthur should not have been allowed to invade NOrth Korea because a lot of people died in the invasion and when it was repelled. MacArthur underestimated China's power, and a general should not make mistakes like that.

Why MacARthur was removed:
MacArhur was removed because he was critizing Truman's administration. Also, MacArthur disobeyed Truman and continued fighting even when he was ordered to stop.

MIlirary and Civilan Cost of the War:
Over 100,000 soldiers died, and over 13,000 civilians died in the war.