Korean War“Chronology”

Map #11. Korean Peninsula

1. Under Japanese control from 1940-1945

2. WWII ends in 1945- Korea is divided

1. 38th parallel meant to provided temporary division

2. North Korea- Soviet Union, South Korea- U.S.

3. U.S. and Soviet Union “left” by 1949

1. Meant to leave Korea with a unifying election, but it was never held

Map #2First Offensive

1. Sept. 25th, 1950 – NK invades SK1. Capture Seoul – capital of SK

2. SK – calls on (UN) Security Council for help1. Resolution to assist passes –Soviet Union

boycotting because US blocked Communist China

3. NK pushes all the way to Pusan Perimeter1. U.N. appoints American General Douglas

MacArthur – (Supreme Commander of the UN Troops)

Map #3UN Counter-Offensive

1. UN troops mobilize in Japan1. Reinforce Pusan2. Launch an amphibious assault (Inchon) – cut off

NK supply lines

2. Ground forces – push to Seoul – NK retreats across the 38th Parallel

1. “Containment” successful

3. Decision Time? Police Action or All out War!1. All-out War

1. MacArthur wanted the U.S. to join the fight

1. President Truman afraid of entry into NK will bring in the Chinese.

2. U.S. does NOT join war2. MacArthur convincing – “Home by

Christmas Offensive”1. UN forces drive up to the Chinese

border – the Yalu River3. And then…….

Map #4UN Offensive

Map #5

1. 33 divisions of Chinese soldiers waiting on the border

2. Drive UN and SK forces back to the 38th

3. Re-capture Seoul

2. MacArthur threatens China – (is fired) by April 1951 and replaced by Matthew Ridgway

Map #6

1. Ridgway attacks NK with “operation meat grinder” secures the 38th, recaptures Seoul

2. Peace Negotiations – begin in January of 1951 and conclude with an armistice being signed in July 1953

1. Armistice- truce to stop fighting, NOT A TREATY

3. Today boundaries from 1953 – still exist.1. NK (Communist) SK (Democratic)