The Korean War 1950-1953

Conflict in Korea In 1945, Korea was a colony of Japan. After WWII it was divided at the 38th parallel, with the Soviets controlling the North and the United States controlling the South. Both nations removed their forces in 1949, but Korea remained divided and tensions were high between the two Koreas. On June 25, 1950 North Korea crossed into South Korea. In a matter of days Communist North Korea had taken control of South Korea.

Response The U.N. sent in a special forces team under the United State’s direction. Truman appointed General Douglas MacArthur to command the forces. MacArthur and his troops pushed North Korea back across the 38th parallel by October 1, 1950. Feeling confident, the U.S. then tried to invade North Korea. China took up for North Korea and pushed the U.S. back across the border.

Leadership Divided By January 1951 the war had become a stalemate. This means that neither side was able to gain much ground or achieve a clear victory. This lasted for nearly 2 years with bitter fighting along the 38th parallel. The two sides began negotiating in July 1951. A cease-fire was signed July 27, 1953. There was no change in territory and there had been tremendous losses. This war sent a clear message to the Soviet Union: The U.S. was committed to fighting Communist expansion.

Picture by U.S. soldier, South Korea, 1951

Map of Korea during Korean War