1. Korean War

2. A grief stricken American infantryman whose buddy has been killed in action is comforted by another soldier. In the background a corpsman methodically fills out casualty tags, Haktong-ni area, Korea. August 28, Sfc. Al Chang. (Army)

3. Why is Korea considered geographically important?
How did the actions of the US towards Korea directly and indirectly lead to the outbreak of the Korean War?

4. How did the actions of the Soviet Union towards Korea lead to the outbreak of the Korean War?

5. KOREAN WAR 1945 – Korea controlled by Japan
Soviets occupied the NORTH, America the SOUTH
The two halves were divided by the 38th Parallel
1947 – elections held in the South supported by the US; The North had its own govt. backed by the Soviets

6. Each government claimed to be the rightful rulers of Korea
Each side was supported by the respective superpower even though they withdrew troops in 1948.

7. USSR takes control to 38th parallel
1948 – S. Korea - Rhee elected president
N. Korea declares Peoples Republic
North militarizes, South does not
June 25, 1950 North attacks

8. June 27th, U.N. reacts
General Douglas MacArthur
Pusan
Invades Inchon

9. Mac Arthur on his own Mission
Communists China’s threat
Mac Arthur to the Yalu River
“Volunteer” Chinese
Back to the 38th parallel

11. April 11, 1951 – Mac Arthur fired

12. WHO WON???? S KOREA REMAINED ‘FREE’ Containment had worked
Korea badly damaged
The human cost
Still two separate states today
Still US troops in Korea

13. THE COST IN HUMAN LIFE

14. Peace Talks June 1951 Panmunjon – 2 years July 27, 1953 Truce
Police Action
Casualties

15. Demilitarized Zone

16. DMZ 2 million men armed in this area 1.1 million North Koreans
35,000 American troops/ with South Koreans
Fences three metres high were erected at each border of the DMZ and all civilian homes were removed
There is only one crossing point in the DMZ:

18. Demilitarized Zone

20. View from the South

22. Bridge of not Return

23. House of Peace