About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of how the Korean War came to be known as the “forgotten war.” By investigating the compelling question, “Why was the Korean War ‘forgotten’?,” students investigate how a major global event could seem to have been forgotten by the American public and, subsequently, in history. The inquiry has students consider the progression of the “conflict” to a “war,” actions of those in power during Harry S. Truman’s US presidency, the views of veterans and those on the home front, and the portrayal of Korea in US history textbooks. This leads students to questions of how the Korean War differed from previous and subsequent military engagements in terms of the remote threat it posed to the American people and an underlying Cold War sentiment that evolved from anti-communism to containment. Teachers should also help students understand how the process of “forgetting” the Korean War reflects geopolitical events as well as domestic concerns.

Compelling Question

Why Was the Korean War “Forgotten”?

Staging Question

In October 1951, US News & World Report referred to the Korean War as the “Forgotten War.” Using the image bank of Korean War monuments and the original article, discuss the factors that influence whether or not a historical event is considered memorable.

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Why was the Korean War “forgotten”? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, or essay) that discusses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Using claims from Supporting Question 4, propose a textbook revision reflecting research within the inquiry and soldiers’ perceptions of the war.

Taking Informed Action

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