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UN Forces Land at Inchon
In September 1950, the UN forces landed on Inchon, near the southern coast of North Korea. The plan was thought to be too dangerous, but General MacArthur insisted on going through with it. The UN forces managed to push the North Korean troops back across the 38th parallel, taking back Seoul. -
North Korea Invades South Korea
The two Koreas disagreed about the border. North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950 and quickly captured Seoul. The United States, unwilling to see communism spread, called for a resolution through the UN. The UN created an appeal for North Korean troops to retreat, but they did not. UN troops, composed of sixteen countries, were sent to South Korea to protect Pusan. General Douglas MacArthur led the UN troops in a successful effort to surround and protect Pusan until reinforcements arrived. -
North Korean Forces Pushed Back Across 38th Parallel
After pushing back North Korean troops, General MacArthur wanted to continue into North Korea and liberate it from communism. Truman was worried about China responding, but he agreed anyway. -
The PRC Send Forces Over the Border Into Korea
The UN forces captured Pyongyang and the Yalu River, which served as the border between North Korea and China. China responded by sending troops across the border into North Korea to attack UN forces. UN troops were forced to retreat from North Korea. -
US Led UN Forces are Routed
China and North Korea teamed up to invade South Korea and quickly overwhelmed United Nations forces. In a brutal attack, the two countries pushed past the 38th parallel and quickly captured UN troops who were then cornered and forced to retreat. As a result, thousands of UN soldiers were casualties. -
PRC Forces Retake Seoul
North Korea and Chinese forces regained control of Seoul, but the Chinese forces were so exhausted from the fighting that the UN was able to retake South Korea. -
Truman Dismisses General Douglas MacArthur
President Truman and General MacArthur had a long history of disagreements. Truman saw the war in Korea as a way to stop communism from spreading, while MacArthur saw the war as a way to liberate the North from communism. Truman wanted to end the war quickly, but MacArthur escalated it. MacArthur stated how he wanted to use an atomic bomb on China, which upset Truman. Truman relieved MacArthur of his duties, which angered the public. -
Peace Talks Stall
The UN sent forces in an attempt to push North Korea back across the 38th parallel, and they succeeded. This led to a stalemate where neither side could compromise. -
President Eisenhower Becomes President
When Eisenhower became president, he wanted to end the war and he kept his promise to do so. He met with American soldiers and officers and saw the terrible conditions in Korea. Once he was inaugurated, he began to negotiate for a settlement, though he was also prepared to use a bomb if necessary. -
Stalin Dies
During the Korean War, the Soviet Union was supportive of North Korea, but Stalin was reluctant to help. Stalin did give China and North Korea a thumbs up to invade South Korea. However, Stalin's death decreased the Soviet's support for North Korea and China. The USSR called for a quick end to the war and wanted to start talks of negotiation. -
Ceasefire Agreed
After two years of negotiations, the US, North Korea, South Korea, and China agreed to an armistice. This agreement was signed in Panmunjom. However, South Korea did not sign the agreement because President Syngman Rhee felt that the United States should have done more to unite the two Koreas. The armistice established a demilitarized zone between North Korea and South Korea, which is still in effect. The armistice is supposed to be temporary, but is not a peace treaty.