Unit 9 Day 3 (Korean War) Quote: “In the simplest of terms, what we are doing in Korea is this: We are trying to prevent a third world war.” - Harry S. Truman, April 16, 1951 Focus Question(s): How did the culmination of WWII influence the competition between world superpowers? How does fear drive individual and collective actions? Specified Content: Korean War State Standards: Strand 1 Concept 9 PO 1 b

Korean War At the end of WWII the Soviets established the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in the North. The Republic of Korea (South Korea) was established in the south.

On June 25 th, 1950, North Korean forces attacked South Korea, starting the Korean War. South Korea called on the UN for help. The vote passed since the Soviet Union was boycotting.

On June 27 th, 1950, President Truman sent troops to help the South Koreans. At first North Korea was winning the war, capturing Seoul and forcing the UN troops to retreat.

General MacArthur launched a counterattack, pushing the North Koreans back into the North. The UN troops approached the border with China, causing China to join the war.

On June 23, 1951, the Soviets suggested a cease-fire and truce talks began in July In July 1953 North and South Korea signed an armistice ending the war.