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Japan's rule over Korea is terminated
At the end of WW2, North Korea is liberated by the Soviet Union while South Korea is liberated by the USA. After the liberation, Communism remains in the North while the South adopts political views similar to America's. -
Period: to
The Korean War
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North Korea invades South Korea
North Korea attacks the 38th parallel and enters South Korea with 135,000 troops. South Korea fires back, yet doesn't have tanks or weapons developed enough to stop the attack. -
Seoul falls
The South Korean army attempts to stop the North Korean troops from entering Seoul by blowing up the Hangang Bridge. 4,000 refugees were crossing the bridge at the time of the explosion, killing hundreds. Despite this, North Korea invades and captures Seoul. The UN later decides it must interfere in order to prevent communism from talking over South Korea. -
China warns the USA
China warns America that it is prepared to intervene on behalf of Korea if the UN troops pass the 38th parallel. McArthur gives permission for the UN troops to cross the border into North Korea on the 27th of September 1950, in hopes of completely eliminating communism from Korea. -
Chinese army attacks UN troops
The Chinese People's Volunteer Army secretly cross the Yalu river on the 19th of October, preparing a surprise attack on the UN troops. The Chinese army attacks on the 25th of October, forcing the UN troops to retreat back into South Korea. -
General McArthur is fired
McArthur and Truman disagree on how to react to the Chinese attack. McArthur supports using nuclear weapons in order to fight China and eliminate communism, while Truman does not want to create a greater war. In 1951, McArthur ignores Truman's orders, and threatens an attack on China. Truman fires McArthur, stating "We do not want to widen the conflict. We will use every effort to prevent that disaster." -
Armistice talk begins
The US had already begun discussing terms for an agreement to end the Korean war by December 1950, yet both the presidents of North and South Korea at the time opposed this discussion. In June of 1951, armistice talk finally began between North Korea and the US. -
Armistice agreement is signed
After two years of discussion, a delegate of the Chinese People's Volunteer army, a representative of South Korea and General William K. Harrison sign an armistice agreement signalling a truce. The agreement signified a cease-fire between military forces, yet no governmental agreements were reached. -
Geneva conference fails to unite Korea
The US, USSR, France, China, North and South Korea gather in Geneva, Switzerland 9 months after the armistice agreement is signed. The countries discuss uniting Korea, yet no agreement is reached and Korea remains divided.
