1. The Korean War

2. Korea After WWII Formerly a Japanese colony 1945: Korea temporarily divided between North and South North Korea became a Communist state under Kim Il Sung South Korea became a democracy (sort of) under Syngman Rhee 38 th Parallel – the dividing line between North and South

3. June 25, 1950: North Korea invades South Korea in a surprise attack June 27, 1950: UN votes to come to South Korea’s aid September 1950: North Korea surrounds Pusan Big question: how far to counterattack?

4. September 15, 1950: US forces make a surprise amphibious landing at Inchon October 7, 1950: UN forces cross the 38 th Parallel into North Korea November 24, 1950: UN forces approach the Chinese border

5. November 25, 1950: Chinese troops cross into North Korea, pushing back MacArthur January 4, 1951: Chinese troops capture Seoul April 11, 1951: Truman dismisses MacArthur from command July 1951: Stalemate near the 38 th Parallel July 27, 1953: Armistice signed; war effectively ends