Korean War Video

Historical Overview

The Korean War has been called the "Forgotten War," historically it isn't as well know as World War II or the Vietnam war, The Korean War was one of the first conflict to take place in the episodes of the Cold War.

The Korean War began in June 25, 1950, when North Korean troops crossed and invaded South Korea. Some of the most intense fighting ever experienced by American soldiers or any other soldier took place in this deadly conflict, the conditions in wich American soldiers were fighting weren't what they were trained for, becoming one more enemy. About 37,000 American's lost their lives in three years, most of the American losses were placed in the first year of the conflict. "significantly higher figure per year than the 58,000 American casualties spread over ten years in Vietnam".

The fight lasted three years. but the us never declared war in Korea. And the war has never been officially ended. When the war was over, not much had changed.

There were many events in this conflict that were one of a kind like: "the humiliating retreat of inexperienced U.S. soldiers in the opening days of the war; the brilliant Inchon landings masterminded by MacArthur; the grittiness exhibited in Chosin by the 1st Marine Division surrounded by a vast Chinese force; and the savage hill fighting during the last years of the conflict."
An armistice was signed in 1953 between the United Nations, the US, China and North Korea, South Korea refused to sign, leaving the two Koreas separate to this day.

By, Camilo

Impact on the United States

President Truman speaks

"if we let Korea down, the Soviet [Union] will keep right on going and swallow up one piece of Asia after another...and no telling what would happen in Europe."


The Korean War had a major impact on the United States, because it was one of the most important conflicts that this country ever engaged in. The Korean War was a necessary show of strength on the U.S side, that they would do anything to prevent the spread of communism. 

In October 1949, a communist government come to power in China, the world's most populated nation. Months later, Stalin and Mao Sedong (Chinese communist leader) signed a treaty of friendship and military cooperation. These events greatly alarmed the United States leaders. Communism seemed to be spreading around the world.

After World War II, Soviet forces occupied the northern half of Korea, while the United States occupied the southern part. The two halves were divided along the 38th Parallel. In the North the Soviets helped Kim II Sung to take control of the government. In the South the United States helped Syngman Rhee, to rule the South. Each leader wanted to reunify the country. But either side wanted to share power.

The Korean War started and the United States keeps backing South Korea because they didn't want communism to be spread through Asia and later in Europe. Both the communists and the non-communists made sure that the fighting did not spread to other countries. The horrors of WWII had just ended five years earlier and were still fresh in everyone's minds. Neither side wanted to start WWIII. 

The Korean War finally endend on July 27, 1953 when an Armistice agreement was signed between the North Korea and the UN. 


By: Diana D.

Profiles of Important People

Kim Il-sung - The Communist leader of North Korea. He developed a personality cult around himself, and ruled until his death in 1994.
He organized a guerrilla force to fight the Japanese. He also lived in the Soviet Union where he became a dedicated communist. Kim worked closely with the Soviet Union to set up a communist government. He stirred up trouble in the south, supporting local communists. But some South Korean opposed Rhee and his government without any supports from Kim. Kim invaded South Korea and started war. Fighting broke out along the 38th parallel.



Syngman Rhee - "Democratically elected" leader of South Korea. Syngman Rhee was a committed nationalist obsessed with the idea of ruling a unified, independent Korea.
Rhee was strongly anti-communist and usually supported American interests. He led political organization called the Korean Democratic Party. Many Koreans in the south opposed Rhee because of there ties to their hated former rulers. Rhee tried to suppress any political activity that challenged his government. Syngman Rhee placed his troops under MacArthur's command.

VOCABULARY WORDS

Truce - Cease-fire between armies. (ex. In June, the Soviets indicated that truce talks might be possible.)

38th Parallel - Line of latitude which divided North and South Korea. (ex. Korea was divided into half along the 38th Parallel.)


United Nations - An organization of nations formed after World War II to prevent war and promote international cooperation; also known as the UN. (ex. The UN called for free elections, but North Korea refused to participate.)

Inchon - Port city on the west coast of South Korea. (ex. General MacArthur sent troops by sea to land at Inchon, near Seoul.)

Communism - Political system based o the idea that the government should make all economic decision on behalf of the people. (ex. The Soviet Union and China tried to spread communism around the world.)


By: Diana D.

Korean War Timeline

1882- The United States and Korea sign their first trade treaty.

1910- Japan takes control of Korea.

1945-
-September 9:  U.S accepts Japanese surrender South of the 38th Parallel.

-Syngman Rhee returns to Korea from the United States. Kim II Sung also returns after fighting for the Soviet Union during World War II. The cold War begins.

1948-
-August 15: Republic of Korea declared in South.

-September 9: Communist regime declared in North.

1950-
-June 25: North Korea invades South Korea; UN demands North Korea a return to its border.

-June 30: President Truman send U.S. troops to Korea.

-September 15-19: U.S. troops land at Inchon, break through Pusan perimeter.
 
-September 27: U.S. crosses 38th Parallel into North Korea.

-October: UN forces reach Chinese border.

-November 1: China attacks UN forces.

1951 

- March: Battle lines established along 38th Parallel.

- July 10: Truce talks begin.

1952- North Korea accuses UN of using germ warfare. Uprising break out at South Korean prisoner of war camps. U.S. begins massive bombing campaign in North Korea. 

1953
-July 27: Truce agreement signed.

1991- North Korea refuses to cooperate with inspections of is nuclear program. Kim II Sung dies and is replaced by his son, Kim Jong II.

- Kim Dae Jung, a reformer , wins the presidential election in South Korea.