korean war and the second red scare

China Falls to Communism

Chinese nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek had been fighting Mao Zedong’s Communist forces since the 1920s. After WWII, Mao’s communists gained the support of peasants, leading to the nationalist government’s retreat to Taiwan in 1949. Truman refused to send U.S. troops to intervene, viewing it as too risky, which Republicans criticized as “losing China.” Truman’s recognition of Taiwan as China delayed U.S.-China relations for 50 years.

Communists Explode an Atomic Bomb

In 1949, the Soviet Union successfully tested its first atomic bomb, shocking the U.S. and ending its nuclear monopoly. This prompted Truman to authorize the creation of the hydrogen bomb (H-bomb), which was 750 times more powerful than the atomic bomb.

NSC-68

A top-secret National Security Council report issued in 1950 that guided U.S. foreign policy for the next 20 years. It endorsed the containment strategy and called for a massive military buildup, leading to a fourfold increase in defense spending. It argued that communist expansion had to be stopped everywhere, not just strategically important areas.

Korea Divided at the 38th Parallel

After WWII, Korea was divided into Soviet-controlled North Korea and U.S.-backed South Korea. National elections to reunify the country never occurred due to Cold War tensions. A communist regime emerged in the North, while an anti-communist government formed in the South.

North Korea Invades South Korea

On June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, crossing the 38th parallel. The U.S. immediately intervened under UN authorization, framing the war as a “police action.” Truman bypassed Congress to send troops, with the U.S. providing the majority of the 330,000 UN troops.

China’s Role in the Korean War

Despite Chinese warnings not to invade North Korea, General Douglas MacArthur pushed northward, believing the Soviet Union would restrain China. However, China entered the war, sending troops to support North Korea. This prolonged the war and prevented Korean unification.

MacArthur Fired by Truman

MacArthur publicly criticized Truman’s policy of limited war and wanted to expand the conflict into China. Truman, fearing escalation into World War III, fired him in 1951 for insubordination. The public initially opposed Truman’s decision, viewing MacArthur as a hero.

End and Legacy of the Korean War

The war ended in 1953 with an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving Korea divided at the 38th parallel. Around 33,000 Americans were killed and 103,000 wounded

Federal Loyalty Program

Established by Truman in 1947 to screen federal employees for communist ties. FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover pushed for the program, claiming communists had infiltrated the government. Millions of employees were investigated, and hundreds were dismissed or resigned, even without concrete evidence.

HUAC and the Hollywood Ten

The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) investigated alleged communist influence in Hollywood in 1947. Ten directors and screenwriters, known as the Hollywood Ten, refused to testify, citing First Amendment rights. They were imprisoned for contempt of Congress, and around 400 people were blacklisted from the film industry.

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg

In 1950, the Rosenbergs were charged with passing atomic bomb secrets to the Soviets. Ethel’s brother, David Greenglass, testified against them. Despite limited evidence, they were convicted of espionage and executed in 1953, fueling fears of communist infiltration and espionage in the U.S.

McCarthyism’s Impact

Thousands of Americans, especially left-wing thinkers and artists, were blacklisted or lost jobs. McCarthy’s influence peaked during televised Army hearings in 1954, where his bullying tactics were exposed, leading to his censure by the Senate. The era left lasting damage on civil liberties and political discourse.