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North Korean leader Kim Il Sung goes to Moscow to ask Soviet leader Josef Stalin's permission to invade South Korea and begin the Korean War. Stalin approves, because he believes the United States has little interest in Korea.
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President Syngman Rhee's unpopular conservative faction loses its control over the South Korean assembly. When voters elect anti-Rhee moderates to office in the 1950 elections. Rhee stays president.
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On June 25 the Korean war started. It was fought by the United States with South Korea and Communist China with North Korean. North Korean troops marched across the 38th parallel, intent to reunite Korea by force. This is the first step in a 3 year war.
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North Korean forces attempt to capture South Koreas capital Seoul am succeed.
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Communist forces continue their southward advance through the Korean peninsula, driving American forces back to Daejeon, 100 miles south of Seoul.
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In the first half of 1951, the war in Korea begins to settle into stalemate. The year begins with surging Communist forces driving American and South Korean troops into a desperate southward retreat. By springtime, however, American forces organize a successful defensive line not far from the 38th parallel, halting the Chinese advance. Both sides launch a series of offensives attacks but neither can make much progress.
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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 peace talks between American, Chinese, North Korean, and South Korean negotiators will begin in August 1951, but will continue for nearly two years. More than half of the 36,000 American soldiers killed in the Korean War.
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In New York City, about 7.5 million people come to cheer for General MacArthur as he parades through the city in the back of an open Chrysler. The streets are filled with so much supporters that it takes MacArthur's motorcade more than seven hours to cover the 19.5-mile parade route, from the Battery to St. Patrick's Cathedral and back.
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In the American presidential election, Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower receives more votes almost 34 million than any previous candidate in American history. Eisenhower, was a retired general and World War II hero, has built his campaign largely around a promise to pursue an honorable truce in the Korean War and he hopes to pursue full american combat withdrawal.
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After almost two years of negotiations, the United States, North Korea, and China reach agreement on an armistice to end the "UN peace action" in Korea without a formal peace treaty.Korea stays divided at the 38th parallel.
