Events leading to the start of the Korean War After WWII, Korea was divided into two countries at the 38th Parallel line(38o N Latitude). North Korea became a communist country with the support of China and the Soviet Union. South Korea had a non- communist government and was supported by the United States. In June 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea. President Truman asked for the United Nations to send a peace keeping force into Korea to stop the fighting. The U.S. made up the biggest part of the U.N. forces. Official the U.S. never declares war, but instead enters the conflict as a policing force under the United Nation with the goal of stopping North Korea’s aggression. Korean War Memorial, Washington DC

Events leading to the start of the Korean War

China’s involvement in the war The U.N. forces under the command of General Douglas MacArthur were able to push the North Koreans back across the 38th Parallel. MacArthur continued to advanced deeper into North Korea. At this point China became alarmed and warned that if U.N. forces continued to move closer to their border they would enter the war on the side of North Korea. The U.N. forces did not withdraw and China entered the war. MacArthur wanted to attack China directly, but President Truman wouldn’t allow him for fear that Korea would grow into a larger conflict. Truman eventually replaces MacArthur. Truman and MacArthur

Outcomes of the Korean War A cease fire went into effect on July 27, 1953. President Eisenhower brought the war to an end as he had promised in his election campaign. The war ended in a stalemate. The border between North and South Korea remained at the 38th Parallel (DMZ- Demilitarized Zone). Many Americans felt frustrated by the indecisive war. Over 33,000 American soldiers were killed in the war, with another 103,000 being wounded.