The Korean War

The Forgotten War

A Divided Korea

• Just like in Europe, Korea was divided based on the lines of WWII.

• The North was liberated by the Soviets.

• The South was liberated by the U.S.

• The North became Communist.

• The South became Capitalist.• Both felt that they had the

right to rule all of Korea.

North Korea Attacks South Korea• On June 25, 1950, North

Korea invaded South Korea.• This invasion alarmed the U.S.

because it was an example of the spread of communism.

• Truman ordered naval and air support.

• United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution sending troops from ten different nations to defend South Korea.

A Back and Forth• At first, North Korea reached all

the way to the tip of South Korea.• With the help of the Americans,

the South reached all the way to the Yalu River.

• Then the Chinese intervene and push the U.S. and South Koreans back to the 38th parallel, where the war began.

• General MacArthur was looked at as a hero until he recommended invading China.

• He was then relieved of his command by President Truman.