To What Extent Was the American War in Korea a Failure?

In early 1950, the diplomatic campaign to contain Communism was well underway. The surprise attack by the North Koreans across the 38th parallel on June 25, 1950 into South Korean territory was when most say, “the Cold War turned hot.” The Americans, hoping to retain democracy in South Korea, entered the conflict to aid the South Koreans. Following over three years of fighting, an armistice was declared and a cease-fire given to soldiers. This investigation aims to determine the extent to which the Korean War was a failure from an American perspective. The investigation will cover why the U.S. entered the conflict and determine if their goals were accomplished. Also, the short and long-term results following the Korean War will be assessed in order to indicate the extent of the failures of the war. The primary sources of information for this investigation come from secondary book sources. To establish factual and credible arguments based on this information, the investigator will evaluate two of the sources.

Summary of Evidence:

1. Potsdam Conference
At the Potsdam Conference in July 1945, during the conclusion of World War II, the Allied Powers came to an agreement to allow the Soviets to control the northern portion of Korea down to the 38th parallel, while the Americans would control the remainder of the Korean peninsula (Stokesbury 24). On September 9, the Americans reached Seoul, Korea and accepted the surrender of the Japanese(24). At this point the Soviets and Americans had accomplished all that had been set out at the Potsdam Conference. Thereafter, the American President Franklin Roosevelt felt the conquered Koreans would need “tutelage” in the process of democracy and wanted to help install a democratic government in South Korea (25). On the other hand, the Soviets felt the necessity of friendly neighbors, which meant North Korea would need to be a communist government. Elections to decide a government type were to be in 2 years.(25)