The Korean War, spanning from 1950-1953, witnessed the United States' implementation of its containment policy in Asia, driven by its perception of a Moscow-influenced invasion of South Korea. It became a prolonged ordeal, reminiscent of the Vietnam War, due to the involvement of superpowers, particularly the US's military presence. Both conflicts faced declining public support in the US.

🎤 Discussion Point: Ever heard of the phrase "History repeats itself"? The US's involvement in both the Korean and Vietnam wars can be an example. Dive into the Vietnam chapter and spot the similarities and differences between the two!

• Limited War
  • Definition: A conflict restricted in terms of weapons, territory, or objectives.
  • Korean War: Yes, because it was geographically restricted and had clear objectives.
  • Another Example: Gulf War (1991) – had specific aims and limited territorial ambitions.
• Total War
  • Definition: War that involves complete mobilization of resources and public, unrestricted in weapons or territory.
  • Korean War: No, it wasn’t a total war for the US.
  • Another Example: World War II – vast resources, global battles, and mobilization of all civilians and military.
• Proxy War
  • Definition: A conflict where major powers support different sides but don’t directly engage.
  • Korean War: Yes, as the US and USSR backed different Korean sides without a direct clash.
  • Another Example: Cold War-era conflicts, like Afghanistan in the 1980s (USSR vs. US-backed rebels).
• Civil War
  • Definition: A war between groups in the same country.
  • Korean War: Kind of! North vs. South Korea, though with foreign interventions.
  • Another Example: American Civil War (1861-1865).
• Guerrilla War
  • Definition: Irregular warfare with small groups using surprise tactics.
  • Korean War: Not primarily, but there were aspects.
  • Another Example: Cuban Revolution – Che Guevara and his band of rebels.
• Conventional War
  • Definition: Traditional warfare with regular armies.
  • Korean War: Yes, both sides had organized armies and battlefronts.
  • Another Example: World War I – trench warfare and organized armies.

📣 Class Activity: Let's discuss and debate wars that fit each category! Why do you think they fit the definitions?