Introduction

A 2003 documentary revealing the history of the Korean War.

Outline

In 1951 General MacArthur was advocating an escalation, including an attack into Communist China, besides and embargo and air attacks.

This was counter to the Administration’s and United Nations Command’s (UNC) strategic goals of bringing the Communists to the negotiating table through attrition. Macarthur became more openly critical of President Truman, and this eventually ended his career as Truman relieved him of command on 11 April 1951.

General Matthew Ridgeway was appointed as the new supreme UNC commander.

At the front, Chines forces launched a new offensive with 14 divisions and the UNC forces used manoeuvre and attrition to not only decimate the attackers but drive them back into North Korea inflicting huge casualties.

On the political front, Mao and Stalin agreed it was now time to negotiate and the Soviets announced that talks would begin on 10 July 1951 among the various parties to the conflict.

Meanwhile, fighting continued with both sides trying to win ground and optimise their lines for any future cease fire.

While negotiations were going on, some of the bitterest fighting on the war would take place.

Korea: The Unfinished War Series

You can find a full index of Korea: The Unfinished War series here.

Production & Filming Details

• Director(s): Brian McKenna.
• Producer(s): Anne Gelbert, Christine Le Goff, and Stephen Phizicky.
• Narrator(s): Brian McKenna and Terence McKenna.
• Release Date: 2003.
• Running Time: 53 minutes.
• Country: Canada.
• Language: English.