Question: What do I need to know about the Korean War? (scroll down for definition)         1. Because Truman had integrated the army in 1948, African Americans and whites fought side-by-side for the first time in Korea (blacks had been in separate regiments since the Civil War, notably the distinguished Tuskegee Airmen pilots of World War II). Note: Rejecting Truman’s stance on civil rights, many Democrats abandoned their party in 1948. They formed the segregationist States’ Rights Democratic Party, or Dixiecrat Party, and ran Strom Thurmond for President. Truman still won the election. As President, he promised a Fair Deal, which meant social improvement, civil rights, and expanding education and healthcare. Remember: “Tru” was “Fair.” 2. Korea was an undeclared war. The UN voted to send in troops after communist North Korea crossed the 38th parallel and attacked non-communist South Korea in 1950. 3. Harry Truman fired Douglas MacArthur from command. MacArthur challenged Truman’s decisions publically. Truman, as Commander-in-Chief, fired him. 4. The war ended in 1953 during Dwight Eisenhower’s Administration. Massive American aid poured into South Korea for decades. The 38th parallel is still the dividing line today. 33,746 Americans were killed in Korea. Click here for next flash card.      Return to US Flashcards....Global Flashcards