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”