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Japanese occupation of Korea begins
Japan annexed Korea beginning in 1910 all the way up until 1945. Korea underwent drastic changes under Japanese rule, which was rough and harsh. -
Korea is divided at the 38th parallel by the US and the Soviet Union
The division of Korea into South Korea and North Korea at the 38th parallel was a result of the US's win in WW2, ending Japan's 35- year-old reign over it. The US and Soviet Union agreed to occupy Korea with the zone of control at the 38th parallel, with the idea that it would become "free and independent in due course". -
World War II ends
WWII finally ends after Japan surrenders to the US and allies. -
UN/South Korean troops cross the border into North Korea
North Korean forces surprise South Korean army and swiftly move to the capital city Seoul. The US responds by sending US air, land, and sea forces to aid South Korea. The tide changes in South Korea's favor, and their troops, along with US troops, cross the border into North Korea. -
Korean War begins
Armed forces from communist North Korea smash into South Korea, setting off the Korean War. The US quickly sprang to the aid of South Korea, fighting a bloody war for the next three years. -
Period: to
Battle of Pusan Perimeter
Large scale battle between United Nations and North Korean forces that was the first major battle of the Korean War. The UN army of 140,000 soldiers were rallied to make a stand against the push of 98,000 North Korean forces. -
Battle in Inchon
US Marines forces make a surprise amphibious landing at the strategic port of Inchon on Korea's west coast, 25 miles from Seoul. Afterward, the American-led UN forces were able to break North Korean supply lines and recapture the capital city Seoul. -
China enters the Korean War
US and ROK troops deep in North Korea are the first to encounter troops from the People's Republic of China, who launched a counter-attack to aid their North Korean allies. -
"Chinese Winter Offensive"
During the war, thousands of Chinese troops launched a massive counterattack against US and ROK forces. The counterattack or "Chinese Winter Offensive" ended all hopes for a quick victory in Korea. Once the counterattack stemmed off, US and ROK forces were driven out of North Korea, settling into a grinding stalemate for the next two-and-a-half years. -
President Eisenhower visits Korea, fulfilling his campaign promise
The newly elected President Eisenhower fullfills his most dramatic presidential campaign promise, and visits Korea to see if he can find the key to ending the war. -
Cease-fire is signed
After three long, bloody, and frustrating years of war an armistice is signed between the US, the People's Republic of China, North Korea, and South Korea, bringing the Korean War to an end. The armisitce also brought the US's first experiment of the Cold War concept of "limited war" to and end. -
Korean War is officially over
Armisitice is signed between the US, the People's Republic of China, North Korea, and South Korea, bringing the war to an end.
