Korean War

Imperial Japanese rule

1945

In 1910, Korea was annexed by the Empire of Japan after years of war, intimidation and political machinations; the country would be considered a part of Japan until 1945. In order to establish control over its new protectorate, the Empire of Japan waged an all-out war on Korean culture. After the liberation of Korea from Japanese rule, the "Name Restoration Order" was issued on 23 October 1946 by the United States enabling Koreans to restore their names if they wished.

Introduction

Jun 25, 1950

The Korean War (1950-1953) marked the first clash and invasion between North Korea and South Korea.

Kim ll- Sung

Jun 25, 1950

Kim ll- Sung (1912-1994) a politician and founder of North Korea. Hoping to reunify Korea by force, Kim launched an invasion of South Korea in 1950, thereby igniting the Korean War. His attempt to extend his rule there was repelled by U.S. troops and other UN forces, however, and it was only through massive Chinese support that he was able to repel a subsequent invasion of North Korea by UN forces

Invasion of South Korea

Jun 25, 1950

This conflict began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea, a communist nation, invaded South Korea. Therefore, After the war, Korea became two countries. By invading South Korea, North Korea hoped to reunite the two nations as a single country under communism.

Containment of Communism

Jun 26, 1950

America wanted not just to contain communism - they also wanted to prevent the domino effect. Truman was worried that if Korea fell, the next country to fall would be Japan, which was very important for American trade. This was probably the most important reason for America’s involvement in the war.

Syngman Rhee

Jun 26, 1950

Syngman Rhee (1875-1965), a South Korean politician, dictator and the founder of South Korea. After the war, since Rhee was the only Korean leader well known to Americans, he was returned to Korea ahead of the other members of the Provisional Government. He campaigned for a policy of immediate independence and unification of the country. He soon built up a mass political organization supported by strong-arm squads and a following among the police.

Battle of Inchon

Period: Sep 15, 1950 to Sep 19, 1950

The Battle of Inchon, also referred to in code name as "Operation Chromite". Was an amphibious invasion and a battle of the Korean War that resulted in a decisive victory and strategic reversal in favor of the United Nations Command. But in the end, reversed the near-total occupation of the peninsula by the invading North Korean People's Army (NKPA) and began a counterattack by UN forces that led to the recapture of Seoul.

Chinese Intervention

Oct 1, 1950

In October 1950, Chinese troops under the name of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army (CPV) crossed the Yalu River to assist North Korean armies, and engaged in the Korean War. The reason for it was because the internal security and authority of the regime was under threat by various acts of sabotage undertaken by remaining Kuomintang (KMT) agents, and the enemy China faced was far stronger in terms of military equipment and logistical supply.

Stalemate

1951

In July 1951, President Truman and his new military commanders started peace talks at Panmunjom. Eventually more UN troops were deployed to Korea and the communists were eventually driven back to the 38th parallel. The war became a stalemate. The war then took to the skies, where American and Soviet pilots fought for a further two years.

Armistice

1953

An armistice that brought about a complete cessation of hostilities of the Korean War. The armistice was signed on 27 July 1953, and was designed to “ensure a complete cessation of hostilities and of all acts of armed force in Korea until a final peaceful settlement is achieved.