Korean War and Anti-Communism

Gen Douglas MacArthur and occupation of Japan

After WW2, MacArthur led Japan’s occupation - rebuilding it into a democracy and demilitarizing the country

Division of Korea

After WW2, Korea was split on 38th parallel (north - communist, south - democratic)

Ichon Landings

1950 amphibious assault led by MacArthur that turned the tide of the Korean War in favor of UN forces early on

Chinese intervention in Korean War

China entered the war when UN forces neared its border, pushing them back and prolonging the conflict

Truman vs MacArthur on limited war

MacArthur wanted to expand the war into China; Truman opposed escalation and fired him to maintain limited objectives

Anti-communism and party politics

Fear of communism dominated US politics, loyalty oaths, blacklists

Joseph McCarthy

US senator who led aggressive investigations into alleged communists in govt fueling widespread fear and paranoia.

Army-McCarthy Hearings and Joseph Welch

1954 televised hearings where McCarthy accused the US army of communist ties; attorney Joseph Welch famously countered McCarthy's tactics, declaring "Have you no sense of decency?"