The Korean War Primary Sources

The Korean War Primary Sources

Historical documents. What clues can you gather about the time, place, players, and culture?

Truman Doctrine

We've got an entire learning guide devoted to the Truman Doctrine. You know, that one where Truman says we'll do whatever it takes to crush communism. This foreign policy ultimately leads the U.S. into the Korean War.

NSC-68

Full text of the secret 1950 report of Truman's National Security Council laying out a new, more aggressive strategy for waging Cold War against communist forces abroad.

NSC-68 (Summary)

The U.S. State Department provides a solid, brief summary of NSC-68 and its significance.

UN Resolution

June 27th, 1950 resolution of the United Nations Security Council authorizing international assistance to South Korea and defining North Korea as the aggressor in the two-day-old war.

Truman Speaks

President Harry Truman's statement to the American people on committing troops to the Korean War, June 27th, 1950.

Wake Island Meeting

Accounts of President Truman's fateful meeting with General MacArthur at Wake Island, October 15th, 1950.