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Division of Korea
After Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel. 📅 August 15, 1945 – Japanese surrender / division of Korea 📅 December 16–26, 1945 – Moscow Conference fails to unite Korea -
Establishment of North and South Korea
Two separate states were established after failed negotiations. 📅 August 15, 1948 – Republic of Korea (South Korea) founded 📅 September 9, 1948 – Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) founded -
North Korea Invades South Korea
North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel in a surprise assault. They quickly captured Seoul and continued pushing south. This marked the beginning of full-scale war.
June 25, 1950 – Battle of Ongjin – first battle of the war
June 28, 1950 – First Battle of Seoul (Seoul falls) July 5, 1950 – Battle of Osan (first U.S. ground battle) -
Period: to
Korean war
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UN Condemns Invasion and Sends Troops
The UN passed emergency resolutions calling for military intervention. The United States responded by rapidly deploying troops. General MacArthur was named commander of UN forces. Initial resistance proved challenging.
Key Events: June 27, 1950 – UN Security Council Resolution 83 – calls for military action July 5, 1950 – Battle of Osan – first U.S. ground combat -
North Korean Advance
North Korean troops pushed UN and South Korean forces to a small southeastern corner of the peninsula. They established a defensive line around the Pusan Perimeter. Intense fighting ensued as reinforcements arrived. The outcome remained uncertain.
Key Events: August 4 – September 15, 1950 – Battle of Pusan Perimeter August 15–20, 1950 – Battle of Taegu -
Inchon Landing
MacArthur led a surprise amphibious assault at Inchon that outflanked the North Korean army. The risky landing succeeded beyond expectations. It severed enemy supply lines and forced a retreat. UN momentum surged.
Key Events: September 15–19, 1950 – Battle of Inchon September 1950 – Operation Trudy Jackson – successful deception campaign -
Recapture of Seoul
UN forces moved quickly from Inchon to retake Seoul. After days of urban combat, they secured the capital. South Korean morale was restored. The next phase targeted North Korean territory.
Key Events: September 22–28, 1950 – Second Battle of Seoul -
UN Advances into North Korea
UN troops crossed the 38th parallel in pursuit of retreating KPA forces. Pyongyang was captured and Chinese warnings ignored. Hopes rose for a quick victory. However, new risks loomed.
Key Events: October 19, 1950 – Battle of Pyongyang -
China Enters the War
China launched a secret and sudden counteroffensive. Their entry shocked UN commanders. Momentum quickly shifted. UN troops began to retreat.
October 25 – November 5, 1950 – Battle of Unsan -
Retreat and Recapture of Seoul by Communists
Chinese and North Korean forces retook Seoul for the third time. The UN suffered major losses in freezing weather. General Ridgway took command and reorganized UN forces. The war's darkest phase began.
Key Events: Nov 26, 1950 – Dec 13, 1950 – Battle of Chosin Reservoir 31 December 1950 – 7 January 1951– Third Battle of Seoul -
UN Counteroffensive and Recapture of Seoul
UN troops began a steady counterattack. Seoul was recaptured for the final time. Communist forces were pushed back north of the 38th parallel. The war shifted into stalemate.
Key Events: March 7–April 8, 1951 – Operation Ripper March 23–28, 1951 – Operation Courageous -
Dismissal of General MacArthur
MacArthur openly clashed with Truman over expanding the war into China. Truman relieved him to preserve civilian control of the military. The move caused political uproar in the U.S. But military leadership stabilized.
Key Events: April 11, 1951 – MacArthur dismissed April 19, 1951 – MacArthur's Farewell Speech to Congress -
Stalemate Begins
Peace talks started as lines stabilized near the 38th parallel. Combat continued in the hills and trenches. Neither side made meaningful gains. The war entered a long and deadly deadlock.
Key Events: July 10, 1951 – Peace talks begin at Kaesong August 18 – September 5, 1951 – Battle of Bloody Ridge -
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War front becomes static
Fighting focused on hills and outposts in central Korea. Casualties were high for limited gains. Morale, supplies, and political will became crucial. Negotiations dragged on.
Key Events: 📅 September 13 – October 15, 1951 – Battle of Heartbreak Ridge 📅 October 6–15, 1952 – Battle of White Horse Hill April 16 – July 11, 1953 – Battle of Pork Chop Hill 10 June – 20 July 1953 –Battle of Kumsong -
Post-War Legacy and Division
The DMZ solidified a divided Korea. Tensions remained high with no peace treaty. South Korea advanced economically with U.S. support. North Korea became isolated and authoritarian.
Key Events: 📅 July 27, 1953 – Creation of the Korean DMZ -
Armistice Agreement Signed
Talks finally concluded after brutal final battles. The armistice established a ceasefire and a DMZ. Millions were dead or displaced. The Korean War officially ended, but peace was not achieved.
Key Events: July 27, 1953 – Korean Armistice Agreement signed