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1945 - After World War Il, Japanese occupation ends with Soviet troops occupying area north of the 38th parallel, and US troops in the south
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South declares independence sparking North Korean invasion.
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South Korea and US become Allies. South Korea is sustained by crucial US military, economic and political support.
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Armistice ends Korean War, which has cost two million lives. Armisiste=an agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time; a truce.
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President Syngman Rhee steps down after student protests against electoral fraud. New constitution forms Second Republic, but political freedom remains limited. Electoral=relating to elections or electors.
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Military coup puts General Park Chung-Hee in power. Military Coup=Overthrow of goverment
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General Park restores some political freedom and proclaims Third Republic. Major program of industrial development begins. Third Republic=the system of government adopted in France from 1870, when the Second French Empire collapsed, until 1940, when France's defeat by Nazi Germany in World War II led to the formation of the Vichy government in France.
