In late 1952 Eisenhower went to Korea and discovered a military and political stalemate. Once in office, when the Chinese began a buildup in the Kaesong sanctuary, he threatened to use nuclear force if an armistice was not concluded. His earlier military reputation in Europe was effective with the Chinese. The National Security Council, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Strategic Air Command (SAC) devised detailed plans for nuclear war against China. With the death of Stalin in early March 1953, Russian support for a Chinese hard-line weakened and China decided to compromise on the prisoner issue. COUNT 5
QSN1 Where did the Chinese begin to increase forces after Eisenhower entered the White House? ANS1 Kaesong sanctuary QSN2 What did Eisenhower threaten to do if there was no armistice in Korea? ANS2 use nuclear force QSN3 Along with the Joint Chiefs and SAC, what body was involved with formulating plans for nuclear war with China? ANS3 National Security Council QSN4 What event led to decreased Russian support for China? ANS4 death of Stalin QSN5 What was SAC an abbreviation of? ANS5 Strategic Air Command