| |
N0KFQ > TODAY 16.12.12 16:36l 43 Lines 1841 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 32947_KB0WSA
Read: GUEST
Subj: Today in History - Dec 16
Path: IZ3LSV<IK2XDE<ON4HU<CX2SA<N0KFQ<KB0WSA
Sent: 121216/1502Z 32947@KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA BPQK1.4.53
...
Dec 16, 1950:
Truman declares state of emergency
In the wake of the massive Chinese intervention in the Korean
War, President Harry S. Truman declares a state of emergency.
Proclaiming that "Communist imperialism" threatened the world's
people, Truman called upon the American people to help construct
an "arsenal of freedom."
In November, the stakes in the Korean War dramatically escalated
with the intervention of hundreds of thousands of communist
Chinese troops. Prior to their arrival on the battlefield, the
U.S. forces seemed on the verge of victory in Korea. Just days
after General Douglas MacArthur declared an "end the war
offensive," however, massive elements of the Chinese army smashed
into the American lines and drove the U.S. forces back. The
"limited war" in Korea threatened to turn into a widespread
conflict. Against this backdrop, Truman issued his state of
emergency and the U.S. military-industrial complex went into full
preparations for a possible third world war. The president's
proclamation vastly expanded his executive powers and gave
Mobilization Director Charles E. Wilson nearly unlimited
authority to coordinate the country's defense program. Such an
increase in government power had not been seen since World War
II.
The Soviet Union, which Truman blamed for most of the current
world problems in the course of his speech, blasted the United
States for "warmongering." Congress, most of America's allies,
and the American people appeared to be strongly supportive of the
President's tough talk and actions. Truman's speech, and the
events preceding it, indicated that the Cold War-so long a battle
of words and threats-had become an actual military reality. The
Korean War lasted from 1950 to 1953.
73, K.O. n0kfq
N0KFQ @ KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA
E-mail: kohiggs@gmail.com
Outpost Version 2.6.0 c29
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
