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Before the War
Before the Korean War began, Korea had been divided along the 38th parallel after WW2, with the soviet Union occupying the North and the U.S occupying the South. This division led to the establishment of two separate governments in 1948: a communist regime in North Korea and a capitalist democracy in South Korea, both claiming to be the legitimate government of all Korea. -
The Start of the War: North Korea's First Move
North Korea forces launched a surprise invasion of South Korea by crossing the 38th Parallel. The North aimed to reunify Korea under communist rule, quickly overwhelming South Korean defenses and advancing towards Seoul. -
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U.S. and UN Join the War
American troops arrived to support the South Korean defense at the Pusan Perimeter. Fierce fighting erupted as UN forces tried to hold off the North Korean advances. Despite being outnumbered, the UN forces stabilized the front line in the southeast. -
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The Inchon Landing
General MacArthur led a daring amphibious landing at Inchon, cutting off North Korean supply lines. The operation was a major success and turned the tide of the war. UN forces recaptured Seoul and began pushing the North Korean troops back. -
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UN Advance into North Korea
UN troops crossed the 38th parallel and advanced deep into North Korea. Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, was captured by UN forces. China warned against further advance, but UN troops neared the Yalu River. -
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China Enters the War
Chinese forces launched a massive surprise attack against advancing UN troops. UN soldiers were caught off guard and suffered heavy losses in northern Korea. The Chinese offensive forced the UN to retreat southward. -
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UN Retreat and Seoul Falls Again
The Chinese continued their assault, pushing UN forces past the 38th parallel. Seoul was captured by communist forces for the second time. By the end of December, the war had entered a brutal stalemate. -
Stalemate Begins
By early 1951, Chinese forces had pushed UN troops south, capturing Seoul in January. General Matthew Ridgway reorganized UN forces and launched a counteroffensive. By March, UN forces retook Seoul, marking the beginning of a military stalemate. -
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Operation Ripper and UN Advances
Operation Ripper drove the Chinese and North Korean forces north of the 38th parallel. UN troops recaptured key territories, including Seoul and areas around the Han River. Despite gains, orders restricted UN forces from advancing too far into North Korea to avoid provoking China. -
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Chinese Offensives UN Defense
China launched a major spring offensive aiming to break UN lines. Heavy fighting took place at the Imjin River and Kapyoung, with UN forces, including British, Canadian, and Australian troops, holding firm. The offensive failed, and Chinese forces suffered massive casualties. -
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Truman Dismisses MacArthur
General Douglas MacArthur wanted to expand the war into China, including using nuclear weapons. President Truman, seeking to avoid a larger conflict, relieved MacArthur of command. This caused controversy in the U.S., but it maintained civilian control over the military. -
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Armistice Talks Begin
With front lines stabilized near the 38th parallel, both sides agreed to negotiate an armistice. Talks began in Kaesong and later moved to Panmunjom, but progress was slow. Issues like prisoner exchanges and the ceasefire line led to a long diplomatic deadlock. -
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Winter Stalemate
The year began with both sides locked in a frozen stalemate near the 38th parallel. Soldiers endured harsh winter conditions while engaging in trench raids and artillery duels. Neither side made significant territorial advances during this period. -
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Air and Sea Escalation
U.S air forces intensified bombing campaigns over North Korea, targeting infrastructure and supply lines. Fierce dogfights occurred in "MiG Alley", where American pilots clashed with Chinese and Soviet MiG-15s. At sea, the U.S. Navy bombarded ports and coastal defenses. -
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Ground Combat Grinds On
Grounded fighting increased in intensity, especially in hill battles like those at Old Baldy and white Horse. The front lines remained mostly static, with high casualties on both sides. Small gains were made at great cost. -
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Armistice Talks Stall
Peace talks at Panmunjom remained deadlocked over the repatriation of prisoners of war. The UN insisted on voluntary repatriation, while the communists demanded forced return. Frustration grew as negotiations dragged on without results. -
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U.S. Election and New Strategy
DwightD. Eisenhower won the U.S. presidential election in November, promising to end the war. In December, he visited Korea to assess the situation and consider new strategies. His involvement brought renewed attention to ending the conflict. -
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New Leadership
In January 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower took office and pledged to end the Korean War. Both sides were heavily engaged in trench warfare, with little territorial gain. In February, peace talks resumed in Panmunjom but remained stalled over prisoner repatriation. -
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Stalin's Death and Prisoner Exchanges.
Soviet leader Joseph Stalin died, which shifted Soviet policy and slightly softened North Korea's stance. Fighting continued, especially around the front lines near the 38th parallel. April saw Operation Little Switch, a limited exchange of sick and wounded prisoners between the United Nations and Communist forces. -
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Fierce Fighting and Deadlock
Heavy battles broke out in May around outposts like Pork Chop Hill as both sides tried to strengthen their negotiating position. The fighting was intense and deadly, with high casualties for relatively small areas. In June, pressure increased for a ceasefire as both sides realized the stalemate couldn't be broken militarily. -
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Final Battles
Fierce combat still occurred even as a ceasefire drew closer, with last-minute offensives trying to improve positions. On July 13, the Chinese launched one of the last major attacks at the Battle of Kumsong. The front stabilized shortly after, setting the stage for an agreement. -
The End and the Aftermath
The Korean Armistice Agreement was signed at Panmunjom, effectively ending active combat. The armistice established the Korean Demilitarized Zone, roughly following the 38th parallel. Though fighting ceased, no peace treaty was signed, leaving North and South Korea technically still at war.