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North Korean Communist forces invade South Korea
(initiating war) -
Period: to
Korean War events
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N calls for cease-fire and asks UN members to assist South Korea
President Harry Truman sends U.S. troops to Korea. The U.S. and other countries in the United Nations join the war because they want to stop communism from spreading to South Korea. -
The United Nations forces launch the "Home by Christmas" offensive.
General MacArthur orders the United Nations forces to move to the Yalu River, the border between North Korea and northeast China. MacArthur said the UN troops would be home by Christmas, but they are attacked by 180,000 Chinese soldiers and have to retreat. -
Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway replaces MacArthur
He replaces MacArthur after he threatens Chinese with massive retaliation -
Korean War Stalemate
American forces organize a successful defensive line not far from the 38th parallel, halting the Chinese advance. Both sides launch a series of offensives aimed at breaking through the increasingly entrenched lines of battle, but neither can make much headway. -
The Battle of Heartbreak Ridge begins.
American and French troops start a battle with North Korean and Chinese troops in a part of South Korea known as the Punchbowl. The U.S. and France win the month-long battle. Over 25,000 Chinese and North Korean soldiers die. -
Dwight Eisenhower is elected president.
During his campaign, Eisenhower said he would end the war in Korea. -
Peaceful Negotiations Begin
North Korea and South Korea sign an agreement to stop fighting. Korea is still divided, but the two countries agree to create a neutral zone called the Demilitarized Zone to separate the countries. -
Armistice signed
After nearly two years of negotiations, diplomats from the United States, North Korea, and China reach agreement on an armistice to end the "UN peace action" in Korea without a formal peace treaty. Both sides claim victory; Korea remains divided at the 38th parallel.
