Korean War

Korea Divided Between North And South

1945

Following Japanese surrender, Soviets maintained military presence in the North with American troops in the South. Temporary border at 38th parallel established

Soviets & Americans withdraw military

1949

A pro-Soviet puppet government is left in charge of North Korea with a vastly superior army to U.S.-supported South

North Korea Invades South Korea

Jun 24, 1950

Whether North Koreans acted with Stalin's approval is still debated

U.S. and UN Condemn North Korea

Jun 26, 1950

In the morning, President Truman issues a statement announcing to the American public the decision made at Blair House on the 25th and 26th of June: "I have ordered United States air and sea forces to give the Korean Government troops cover and support."

Truman orders air and naval support for South Korea & calls for UN intervention

Jun 27, 1950

With the Soviet Union absent from the Security Council, the U.S. was able to win agreement from UN to support South Korea. MacArthur appointed to command UN operations

U.S. troops invade at Inchon

Sep 15, 1950

In surprise landing behind enemy lines, US forces push North Korean army back north of the 38th parallel

Pyongyang falls to UN forces

Oct 19, 1950

North Korean capital now in UN control

MacArthur declares "There is no substitute for victory

1951

In message to House Republican leader Martin, MacArthur expresses his frustration with the limited war U.S. is fighting against communists

Negotiations begin at Panmunjon

1951

Talks drag on until 1953 and war is settled with the establishment of a DMZ (demilitarized zone) on each side of the 38th parallel

Peace Talks Drag

Feb 1, 1951

With the Korean War seemingly settling into a bloody stalemate, the United Nations passes a resolution calling for a negotiated end to the conflict. The first peace talks between American, Chinese, North Korean, and South Korean negotiators will begin in August 1951, but will drag on for nearly two years.

Truman relieves MacArthur of command

Apr 11, 1951

Following several warnings about insubordination, Truman angers public (69% support MacArthur) by firing the US commander

MacArthur addresses Congress after being away from the U.S. since 1935

Apr 19, 1951

In emotional speech, MacArthur declares "Old soldiers never die, they merely fade away".

Chinese divisions enter fighting

Nov 4, 1951

With increased opposition, UN offensive stalls and then collapses. Chinese troops push UN forces back across 38th parallel and capture Southern capital of Seoul

Korea becomes campaign issue in 1952 presidential election

1952

Eisenhower pledges to go to Korea to end the war. VP candidate Nixon contends Democrats had caved in to communists in Korea and that Democrat presidential candidate Stevenson should be called "Adlai the Appeaser"

Armistice formally re-established the division of Korea

1953

Formal peace treaty never signed. Over 1,000,000 Koreans and 54,000 Americans killed in conflict plus thousands who die as prisoners of war