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Japanese occupation of Korea begins
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Korea is divided at the 38th parallel by the United States and Soviet Union
The division was a result of the 1945 Allied victory in World War II. Later, it was along the demarcation line. -
World War II ends
World War II ends with the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers. The Allies accepted Germany's surrender about a week after Adolf Hitler commited suicide. -
Korean War begins/North Korean troops attack South Korea
When North Korean armed forces invaded South Korea, the Korean War began. The United States defended South Korea for a bloody three years. The Chinese, surprisngly, would defend North Korea in war. -
Battle of Pusan Perimeter
This was a long and extensive battle between United Nations and North Korean forces. The Pusan battle marked the end of the North Korean invasion of South Korea. The allies had regained control after this battle. -
Battle in Inchon/General MacArthur's Amphibious Landing
U.S. Marines force made a surprise amphibious landing in Inchon. This was a risky location, and idea in general, but General MacArthur insisted on it. The Battle in Inchon dramastically changed the course of war. -
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UN/South Korean troops cross the border into North Korea
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China enters the Korean War
The Chinese entered the Korean War on North Korea's side. They helped them launch a massive attack on the U.S. and South Korea. This really surprised the United Nation troops because the Chinese came out nowhere. -
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Chinese Winter Offensive
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President Eisenhower visits Korea, fulfilling his campaign promise
President Dwight D. Eishenhower visited Korea in hopes of getting closer to the end of the Korean War. He planned to only use force (nuclear weapons) if peace negotiations did not begin to move forward. -
Cease-fire is signed
This was the signed armistice that ended the Korean War. Also, this ended Americas's first experiment with the Cold War concept of "limited war." All sided were ready to sign this agreement, ending the bloody war. -
Korean War is officially over
After three years of fighting, there was finally a signed armistice on July 27th, 1953. South Korea got an extra 1,500 square miles of territory out of this agreement. About five milion soilders and cilivlians lost their lives during this war.