The Hidden History of the Korean War, 1950–1951
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
“A great journalist” raises troubling questions about the forgotten war in this courageous, controversial book—with a new introduction by Bruce Cumings (The Baltimore Sun).
“Much about the Korean War is still hidden, and much will long remain hidden. I believe I have succeeded in throwing new light on its origins.” —From the author’s preface
In 1945 US troops arrived in Korea for what would become America’s longest-lasting conflict. While history books claim without equivocation that the war lasted from 1950 to 1953, those who have actually served there know better. By closely analyzing US intelligence before June 25, 1950 (the war’s official start), and the actions of key players like John Foster Dulles, General Douglas MacArthur, and Chiang Kai-shek, the great investigative reporter I. F. Stone demolishes the official story of America’s “forgotten war” by shedding new light on the tangled sequence of events that led to it.
The Hidden History of the Korean War was first published in 1952—during the Korean War—and then republished during the Vietnam War. In the 1990s, documents from the former Soviet archives became available, further illuminating this controversial period in history.
Customer Reviews
A work of fiction masquerading as History
The Hidden History of the Korean War is a work of fiction masquerading as history. It has a sprinkling of facts twitched to support the authors arguments, which are pro communist. Fortunately, Soviet and SINO document released from this period clearly map a path to War orchestrated by Stalin and reveals his manipulation of both Kim and Mao. Kim could not start the War before Stalin gave his approval, which he did. Further Kim needed logistical and advisor supports from the Soviet Army. Stalin approved a vast infusion of support to include tanks (ROKA had no weapons to defeat tanks until later in the War) and heavy artillery. Stalin also encouraged the release of North Korean forces in the PLA back to North Korea. This combat hardened force, through long years of fighting in the Chinese civil war, greatly improved the capabilities of the NKPA. Soviet officers actually wrote the Operation Plan for the invasion of South Korea and oversaw its execution. Bruce Cummings continues to advocate his position that the ROKA started the War and the North only reacted to a incursion into the DMZ. PURE FOOLERY. Don't waste your money buying this book.