Oklahoma Academic Standard 6. The student will analyze the origins of international alliances and efforts at containment of Communism following World War II.

Objective 6.1  Analyze the origins of international alliances and efforts at containment of Communism following World War II.  

  C. Assess the impact and successes of the Truman Doctrine, including the American military response to the invasion of South Korea. 

In a Nutshell

The Truman Doctrine’s proclamation that America would come to the aid of any nation being pressured or overtly invaded by communist forces resulted in a military commitment to Korea. This commitment that the United States was willing to go to great lengths to contain communism remains in force today, as reflected by maintaining a military presence in a divided Korea. It is important for students to understand that the Korean conflict was multinational response to communist aggression, not merely a response by Americans.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Provide opportunities for students to actively listen, evaluate and analyze a speaker’s message and engage in collaborative discussions and debates about American involvement of Korean War.

• Guide students in analyzing the possible consequences, both intended and unintended, of political and military efforts of containment.

• Analyze the connections between historical events and geographic contexts in which they have occurred. 

• Analyze complex and interacting factors that influence multiple perspectives during the Korean war and its results. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• post-war occupational zones 

• Eisenhower's "Domino" Theory

• 37th Parallel; demilitarized zone 

• concept of a "limited" war; commitment of United Nations members

• Douglas MacArthur, 

• Mao Zedong's decision to involve China

• "Forgotten" War; censorship of news to public 

• Some students find it difficult to understand America's commitment to a relatively small nation, neglecting to understand the nation's fear of Communist expansion and the desire to halt such expansion at any cost.

Instructional Resources