General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I never, ever thought I'd see the day [View all]mrmpa
(4,033 posts)but not declared as wars by Congress. The Korean War is historically seen as a "Police Action". it was the first time that the US aligned with the United Nations and sent Forces to join with the other countries in fighting against North Korea. My Dad fought in Korea and he met Turkish, English and French Forces while fighting.
As for Vietnam, again it was not a declared War. Congress supplied money for Forces to fight against North Vietnam aligning thinking and philosopy with the Truman Doctrine and the "Domino Theory."
In not declaring War in these 2 instances, Congress was able to not anger the Soviet Union and China who were allied with the North Koreans and North Vietnames.
I think the belief was that if the US declared War, the Soviets and Chinese would see it as an affront to them and would have sent forces to fight against the US. However my Dad did see the Chinese fighting in Korea at the Chosin Reservoir.
edited for spelling.