During the Korean War, President Harry S. Truman had two primary goals:
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Containment of Communism: Truman aimed to prevent the spread of communism in Asia, particularly by halting North Korea's invasion of South Korea. This aligns with his broader foreign policy strategy of containment, which sought to limit the influence of the Soviet Union and communist movements globally.
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Maintaining a Free and Independent South Korea: Truman sought to support the Republic of Korea (South Korea) to maintain its sovereignty and independence. He believed that a successful defense against North Korean aggression was essential not only for South Korea but also for upholding the principles of democracy and self-determination in the face of communist expansion.
These goals guided Truman's decisions throughout the conflict, including the commitment of U.S. military forces to support South Korean forces.