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Korea divided between North and South
Following the Japanese surrender, Soviets maintained military presence in the North with US troops in the south. A temporary border at 38th parallel was established. -
Soviets and Americans withdraw their militaries
A pro soviet government is left in charge of North Korea with a vastly superior army to the US supported south. -
Truman orders air and naval support for South Korea, and calls for UN intervention
With the Soviet Union absent from the security council, the US was able to win an agreement from the UN to support South Korea. -
US troops invade at Inchon
In a surprise landing behind enemy lines, US forces push North Korean army back north to the 38th parallel. -
Pyongyang falls to the UN
North Korea's capital is now under UN control. -
The Chinese enter the war
With increased opposition, the UN offensive stalls and then collapses. Chinese troops push UN forces back across the 38th parallel and capture the southern capital of Seoul. -
Truman fires McArthur
Following several warnings about insubordination, Truman angers public by firing the US commander. -
North Korea invades South Korea
The North acted with the approval of Stalin to invade the South.
