KOREAN WAR

• Truman decided to send American military to South Korea to defend the nation. This did not result, however, in a declaration of war by Congress. It was an executive "police action." The effort was joined by the United Nations and led by World War Two hero, General Douglas MacArthur.

• In the end, the U.S. prevented South Korea from falling to Communism. However, the "war" was never declared over by either side. The leaders agreed to a truce (a temporary cessation of combat) that has been in effect for the last 70 years.

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