The Korean War

Tension builds to action U.S.S.R. occupied North Korea and the U.S. occupied the South after WWII. - Korea was divided at the 38 th parallel The U.S. pulled most troops (except 500) out by 1949.

North Korea (backed by U.S.S.R.) attacked South Korea in South Korea asked the U.N. for protection - U.S.S.R. was not present to vote due to their U.N. Boycott over Taiwan Tension builds to action Cont.

U.N. Response Douglas McArthur led over 1 Million troops - Launched a counterattack in Sept Troops landed behind enemy lines to surround them - North Koreans either surrendered or retreated back across the 38 th parallel - The U.N. army chased them well into North Korea

China Response China sent 300,000 troops to defend North Korea - Pushed the U.N. forces back across the 38 th parallel and captured the South Korean capitol of Seoul.

McArthur recommended attacking China... President Truman disagreed - China was allied with U.S.S.R. - McArthur appealed to the media... Truman fired McArthur - 69% of Americans were outraged... McArthur was a War Hero! VS.

The Outcome U.S.S.R. suggested a cease- fire in June 1951 Settled with the 38 th parallel as the boundary between North and South Korea WAR ENDED AS A STALEMATE!!!

Today in North Korea

The Korean Peninsula from space after dark!