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Korea Is Divided
Korea is divided into the North and South. Following Japanese surrender, the Soviets maintained a military presence in the North, with American troops in the South. There is a temporary border established, called the 38th Parallel. -
North Korea Invades South Korea
With permission from Russia, North Korea invades South Korea & continues on to Seoul. South Korea does not have a strong enough army to stop it. -
The United States Joins The Korean War
President Harry Truman sends U.S. troops to Korea. The U.S. & other countries in the United Nations join the war because they want to stop communism from spreading to South Korea. -
The United States Is Defeated At Osan
American troops fight North Korean troops in Osan. The Americans expected an easy victory, but are surprised to find out that they are no match for the North Korean army. -
China Joins The Korean War
China joins the war on the side of North Korea. China's army, which is called the People's Volunteer Army, wins several important victories and pushes the U.S. and South Korean troops back across the 38th parallel. -
U.S. Troops Reach North Korea Capital
U.S. troops push their way into Pyongyang, which the capital of North Korea. Soldiers believe that the war will be over soon & start to take bets on what day the war will officially end. -
The United Nations Launches "Home by Christmas"
General MacArthur orders the United Nations forces to move to the Yalu River, the border between North Korea and northeast China. MacArthur said the UN troops would be home by Christmas, but they are attacked by 180,000 Chinese soldiers and have to retreat. -
Peace Talks Begin
With neither side gaining ground, peace talks begin. However, it takes two years to come to an agreement as the war drags on. -
The Battle Of Heartbreak Ridge Begins
American and French troops start a battle with North Korean and Chinese troops in a part of South Korea known as the Punchbowl. The U.S. and France win the month-long battle. Over 25,000 Chinese and North Korean soldiers die. -
North Korea & South Korea Agree To A Truce
North Korea and South Korea sign an agreement to stop fighting. Korea is still divided, but the two countries agree to create a neutral zone called the Demilitarized Zone to separate the countries.
