Prelude to the Korean War

The Aftermath of World War II

If one is to understand the United States of America's participation in the Korean War, one must understand what happened to our nation's armed forces after the end of World War II, a war which lasted six long, horrific years. Although our official participation in this global war only began in late 1941 America's per capita losses while terrible to our citizens on the home front, they were minimal when compared to the size of our major manpower contribution and to the casualty lists of our foreign Allies and Axis enemies. Like all the combatants of this world war, America was a war weary nation, but she was left with a victor's responsibilities as the occupier and governing power of the lands of our vanquished Axis Power enemies.

Blinded by the tears of desire for the swift return of its husbands, sons, and loved ones to the homeland and continuing to be traditionally adverse to the projection of American power overseas, the people of our country demanded the Truman Administration begin the rapid demobilization of our incredibly huge military and naval force. America has never been comfortable with a large-standing professional military and until these modern times had always relied on the vast expanses of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans for benign protection. A pro-active posture with regard to the defense of which we hold dear, beyond the basic family unit was a foreign idea to the majority of our nation's people. Prior to 1939, the ranks of America's Regular Army numbered somewhere around 75,000 men, many of our airplanes had two wings, and our navy still sailed in capital warships with hull designs and targeting systems from the 1920's.