Korean War

On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea. This marked the beginning of the Korean War. The North Korean army, equipped by the Soviet Union, quickly advanced, capturing key cities including Seoul. The invasion prompted a United Nations response, led by the United States, to defend South Korea and repel the communists.

The Battle of Pusan Perimeter took place between August and September 1950, where United Nations forces, primarily composed of US and South Korean troops, held off a determined North Korean advance. This defensive battle prevented the complete takeover of Korea by North Korean forces and served as a rallying point for eventual UN counteroffensives and success.

The UN Defensive Line along the Nakdong River held from September 1, 1950, when North Korean troops attempted to break through and capture the southern tip of Korea. The successful defense by UN forces was crucial in preventing the fall of all of Korea and set the stage for the successful Incheon Landing, which turned the war in favor of the UN.

The Incheon Landing, also known as Operation Chromite, was a successful amphibious assault led by General Douglas MacArthur on September 15, 1950. The daring operation aimed to cut off North Korean supply lines and relieve the beleaguered South Korean forces in the Pusan Perimeter. This surprise attack at Incheon turned the tide in favor of the United Nations forces.

UN forces, primarily composed of American and South Korean troops, captured Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, on October 19, 1950. This marked a significant advance for UN forces in the Korean War. The successful capture of Pyongyang forced North Korean forces to retreat towards the Chinese border, prompting China's eventual intervention.

On November 1, 1950, Chinese troops crossed the Yalu River and entered the Korean War in support of North Korean forces. This marked a significant escalation in the conflict, as hundreds of thousands of Chinese "volunteers" engaged UN forces, pushing them southward and halting their advance. Chinese intervention prevented a UN victory and prolonged the war.

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir was fought from late November to December 23, 1950, in freezing temperatures in North Korea. UN forces, mainly U.S. Marines, faced a massive Chinese counteroffensive. Although the UN forces were encircled and outnumbered, they conducted a fighting withdrawal to the port of Hungnam. The battle was a testament to UN forces' tenacity.

On April 11, 1951, President Harry S. Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur of his command for insubordination. MacArthur's public disagreement with the Truman administration's policy of limited war and his desire to expand the conflict into China were seen as a challenge to civilian control of the military. This decision was both controversial and significant.

Armistice talks began on July 10, 1951, at Kaesong, Korea. These talks aimed to negotiate a cease-fire and establish a peace settlement to end the Korean War. The negotiations were complex and protracted, lasting until 1953. Issues such as the return of prisoners of war and the establishment of the demarcation line were contentious points in the discussions.

The Korean Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27, 1953, effectively ending the hostilities of the Korean War. The agreement established the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a de facto border between North and South Korea, and a cease-fire without a formal peace treaty. The armistice cemented the division of Korea and set the stage for ongoing tensions.