The Korean War

1. The Korean War 1950-1953

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

6. Map of Korea during Korean War