National State of Emergency in the USA

© UNO UN staffer with Korean orhans

© UNO Koreans fleeing the fightings

The Peoples’ Republic of China could not remain passive in face of the rapid advance of US-led troops in North Korea. With an army of so-called volunteers it intervened in the war on the side of North Korea and recaptured Pyongyang on 5 December 1950. The 200,000 UN soldiers  – 90 % of them Americans – were not prepared for this fierce counter offensive.

Due to a strong reduction of conventional forces since 1945 in favour of atomic armaments, the US army faces grave problems. In view of the critical situation, President Harry S. Truman is forced to declare a national state of emergency on 15 December. The country’s entire forces are mobilised for victory in Korea.

The situation becomes increasingly ominous: In early January, 1951, Chinese troops will capture Seoul. In spite of all efforts and a successful counter offensive in the same year, the US-led coalition troops will be denied a complete victory over the Communists. Not far from the 38th parallel – the starting point of the war – the front will come to a standstill and remain largely unchanged until the end of the conflict in 1953.