The Korean War
Causes
The Korean war was sparked by the growing concern of the spread of Communism. Truman feared that Japan would be the next country to adapt communism, China had turned communist in 1949. America Joined the war to also show the world that they were better than the Soviet union, the Soviet Union and the United states were in a competition for dominance. Russia Joined the War because Stalin wanted Communism to Grow, He decided to Invade South Korea. Before the Korean war had started, North and South Korea existed as provisional governments that were competing for control of the Korean Peninsula due to the division of Korea. The Korean Peninsula was very close to Japan, China, and Russia, this causes Korea to constantly fight for its independence. In fact, from 1910 to 1945, it had been oppressed by the Japanese empire. The Korean war was mainly due to the Cold War going on between USA and USSR (Soviet Union). Both Nations possessed the Atomic Bomb and did not want to use it, due to the fact that they would both have mutually suffered from such an intense war.
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Events (Timeline)
Starting May, 1945 North Korea was communist and South Korea is anti-communist. The two are separated at the 38th parallel and remain that way even today. Harry Truman promised to fight Communism in a speech given on March 12, 1947, Truman promises to support any country threatened by Communism, the speech is name the Truman Doctrine. On June 25th, 1950 North Korea invades South Korea, North Korea was given permission by Russia, South Korea did not have an army large enough to stop the invasion. Worried that South Korea would becoming Communist, the South Korean President, Syngman Rhee executes 100,00 people. The United states along with the United Nations send troops to Korea attempting to stop the expansion of Communism on June 27, 1950. American troops battle North korean troops in Osan (July 4, 1950) but are surprised to find out that they are no match for the North Korean army. The unites states regain Seoul, a location in South Korea previously captured by North Korea. The Unites states capture the Capital of North Korea, Pyongyang, this allows troops to believe the war will soon be over in October 20,1950. Later in October, China joins the war and fights along side North Korea. China pushes South Koreans and Americans back to the 38th Parallel. On February 1, 1951, peace begins to become an option, neither side is gaining ground, after 2 years they come to an agreement. General Douglas MacArthur is fired after disagreeing with President Truman to the idea of bombing China, The war could have been much bigger. Later on American and French troops start to battle with North Korean and Chinese troops in South Korea, the Use and France win a month long battle called the battle of Heartbreak Ridge. Finally on July 27, 1953, North and South Korean agree to a truce and decide to leave Korea divided by a demilitarized zone.