1. Communism Versus Democracy
∗ Communism- A form of
government based on a command
economic system. Citizens do not
own private property or the means
of production (resources).

2. 1949: China becomes Communist
∗ Mao Zedong establishes communism in
China. United States becomes worried
that communism will spread
throughout the rest of Asia.

3. 1950-1953: Korean War
∗ Communist North Korea tried to take control of
South Korea who was backed by the U.S.
∗ U.S. went to war to stop communist North Korea
from taking over South Korea.
∗ War ended in 1953 as a stalemate-North Korea
remained communist, South Korea remained
democratic.

4. 1965-1973: Vietnam War
∗ The US fought against Ho Chi
Minh’s communist North Vietnam
almost 10 years.
∗ U.S. wanted to stop the spread of
communism to South Vietnam.
∗ War ended in cease fire.
∗ Two years later North Vietnam
took over South Vietnam and
became one communist country.

5. What was the “Domino Theory”?

6. “Domino Theory”
∗ US leaders believed that if one Asian country became
communist that it would lead to neighboring countries
becoming communist as well.

7. “Containment”
∗ Many US leaders were will to go to war in order to
“contain” or keep communism from spreading. This
philosophy led to US involvement in fighting North
Korea and North Vietnam.