Now there is nuclear parity. America, with United Nations backing, defends South Korea and confronts China. There is stalemate at Panmunjom. Eventually an armistice is signed. The world is polarized across an ideological divide.
American democracy succumbs to a bout of anti-Communist hysteria.
Stalin reinforces the climate of terror on which his rule is based. America, pledged to contain communism, not overthrow it, does nothing. Khrushchev consolidates Soviet power. America is dismayed. John F. Kennedy pledges America will be first again.