The Cold War Goes Global: Korea and Proxy Wars
Compare how different leaders describe freedom, war, and the spread of communism.
Primary Sources
Tuyên Ngôn Độc Lập
"All men are created equal... Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
"All peoples on the earth are equal from birth... have a right to live, to be happy and free."
"For more than eighty years, the French imperialists... have violated our Fatherland."
"They have built more prisons than schools... drowned our uprisings in rivers of blood."
"They have robbed us of our rice fields... reduced our people to extreme poverty."
"A people who have courageously opposed French domination... must be free and independent."
What message is Ho Chi Minh sending, and why might this appeal to people in Vietnam?
Statement on Korea
"Government forces... were attacked by invading forces from North Korea."
"The United Nations called upon the invading troops to cease hostilities... but they have not done so."
"I have ordered United States air and sea forces to give the Korean Government troops cover and support."
"Communism has passed beyond subversion... and will now use armed invasion and war."
What concerns does Truman express, and why would this alarm American leaders?
National Emergency Proclamation
"Recent events in Korea... constitute a grave threat to the peace of the world."
"World conquest by communist imperialism is the goal..."
"The people... would no longer enjoy freedom of speech... or the right to choose their government."
"I proclaim the existence of a national emergency."
How does Truman describe communism, and what fears is he communicating?
You Are Advising the President
It is 1950. Korea is at war. Communist movements are spreading in Asia. American leaders must decide how serious this threat is.
Based on the documents, what should the United States do?