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Cold War

Unit 11

1945-1990

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Did You Know?

The USSR and the US almost had a joint space program, but after Kennedy was assassinated, the plan fell through. Why? The Soviets didn't trust President Johnson.

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The Korean War

02

1950-1953

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Beginning of the Korean War

The invasion of South Korea by North Korea, in an effort to spread communism and unite the Korean peninsula, ignited a war less than five years after the end of World War II. The United States, fearing a spread of communism, deployed troops and resources in support of South Korea.

  • North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950.
  • Less than two months later, North Korea controlled much of the South.

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American Counter Offensive

General Douglas MacArthur, who had commanded U.S. forces in the Pacific Theater of World War II, led American forces in a swift counter- offensive in August 1950.

  • The goal was to push the North Koreans back across the 38th Parallel.
  • The counter-offensive included a large amphibious landing, similar to that of World War II, near the South Korean capital of Seoul.
    • The landing is often referred to as the Inchon Landing.
    • The North Koreans were driven north.