Because the war was fought for political rather than military objectives, it quickly degenerated into a stalemate as both sides used the battlefield to jockey for political advantage at the negotiating table. The U.S fought for their political beliefs in the Korean war. The policy of containment was fought for. The U.S wanted to prevent the spread of communism. Both sides kept fighting for their policy. Both sides weren't willing to give up these beliefs to find peace. While negotiating the soldiers kept on fighting on the battlefield. Each side were very serious about their politics and wanted to have their way no matter how many casualties there would be and how many people would be affected.