The Korean War: Key Events and Developments

Background

• Post-WWII Korea:
  • 1945: Korea liberated from Japanese control.
  • North Korea occupied by Soviets; South Korea by American forces.
  • 1948: Korea divided at the 38th Parallel.
    • South Korea under Syngman Rhee (Capitalist)
    • North Korea under Kim Il-sung (Communist)
  • Soviet troops withdrew in 1948; U.S. troops in 1949.
  • Both Koreas did not recognize the border as permanent.

Outbreak of War

• June 25th, 1950:
  • North Korea invades South Korea with 75,000 troops.
  • Quickly captures Seoul and most of South Korea except Pusan.

International Response

• U.S. and United Nations Involvement:
  • U.S. aims to contain communism, prevent domino effect.
  • South Korea appeals for help.
  • U.S. pushes resolution through UN Security Council.
  • USSR boycotts UN (due to Taiwan-China issue), doesn't veto.
  • UN Security Council calls for North Korean withdrawal, ignored.
  • UN approves international force of 16 nations, led by General MacArthur.

Key Military Actions

• UN Troops in Korea:
  • Early July 1950: UN troops land in South Korea.
  • Defensive position around Pusan until reinforcements arrive.
• Battle of Inchon:
  • September 15th: U.S. Marines X Corps launch amphibious assault at Inchon.
  • North Korean retreat; Seoul and South Korea recaptured by end of September.
• Advance into North Korea:
  • October 7th, 1950: UN troops enter North Korea.
  • October 12th: Capture Pyongyang; approach Yalu River.

Chinese Intervention

• Chinese Troops Enter:
  • China sends 250,000 troops to aid North Korea.
  • UN forces pushed out of North Korea with heavy losses.
  • January 1951: Chinese and North Korean forces capture Seoul.

Stalemate and End of War

• Shift in U.S. Strategy:
  • General MacArthur advocates atomic bomb use, dismissed by Truman.
  • U.S. reverts to containment strategy.
• Stalemate and Peace Talks:
  • June 1951: UN sends more troops; stabilizes front at 38th Parallel.
  • Stalemate; peace talks start but struggle.
• Armistice Agreement:
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes U.S. President in 1953.
  • Armistice signed on July 27th, 1953, at P’anmunjŏm.
  • Establishment of a demilitarized zone, still in place today.

Conclusion

• Impact and Legacy:
  • The Korean War marked significant military and political developments in Cold War history.
  • South and North Korea remain divided along the demilitarized zone.

Additional Information

• For more history content, subscribe to "Simple History" on YouTube.
• Support creator on Patreon for exclusive content and early access.