Chapter 18 Section 2
I.) Origins of the Korean War
A. Japan ruled Korea until 1945B. Post WWII Korea divided between Soviets (North) & U.S. (South)C. Split at 38th Parallel
1. 1948: Republic of Korea (South Korea)2. 1948: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)
II.) The Soviet Invasion
A. 1949: U.S. cut back on its armed forces in South KoreaB. June 25, 1950: North Korea launch surprise attack into South KoreaC. South Korea calls on United Nations to stop the invasion
III.) U.S. Reaction
A. June 27, 1945: Truman orders American troops to help South KoreaB. U.N. sends 520,000 troops (90% American troops)
1. General Douglas MacArthur put in command
IV.) McArthur’s Counterattack
A. September 1950: North Koreans push South Koreans to PusanB. September 15, 1950: McArthur leads U.N. troops in invasion of
Inchon and also north from Pusan
C. By November 1950: U.N. troops pushed North Korean troops to Yalu River (border between China and North Korea)
D. Late Nov. 1950: China sends 350,000 troops against South Korea1. U.N. forces outnumbered 10 to 1
E. Chinese troops force U.N. to retreat behind 38th Parallel
F. 1951 to 1952: back and forth struggle to advance1. Fight between North and South has two main opponents:
United States VS China
A. 1951: MacArthur wants to invade China = Truman says “NO”B. April 1951: U.N. & U.S. 8th Army retake Seoul & back to 38th ParallelC. April 1951: MacArthur urges war against China = Truman says “NO”
1. MacArthur begins to criticize Truman publically; Truman fires MacArthur!!
VI.) Korean War Ends
A. June 23, 1951: Soviets suggest cease-fireB. July 1951: Truce talks beginC. July 1953: two sides sign an armistice to end the war
1. established a “Demilitarized Zone” between North & South Korea2. cease-fire to occur at existing battle line (38th Parallel)
D. War Ends Right Where It Started!!!
VII.) Outcomes
A. Cost 54,000 American livesB. War Cost $67 billion C. Communism had been “Contained”
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