The Korean War: A Conflict that Divided a Nation

A Proxy War with Global Implications

The Korean War, a conflict that spanned from 1950 to 1953, was a proxy war between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The war began when North Korea, backed by China, invaded South Korea, which was supported by the United States and a multinational force under the United Nations flag.

A Divided Nation

The Korean War was a result of the post-World War II division of Korea along the 38th parallel. The Soviet Union occupied the north, while the United States occupied the south. The division of Korea led to political tension between the two sides, which eventually escalated into the Korean War.

The Invasion of South Korea

On June 25, 1950, North Korea launched a surprise attack on South Korea, crossing the 38th parallel. The North Korean army quickly advanced southward, capturing Seoul, the South Korean capital, within a few days. The United States and the United Nations responded by sending troops to support South Korea.

The Stalemate and Armistice

The war quickly turned into a stalemate, with both sides unable to make significant gains. The United States and South Korea managed to push the North Korean army back to the 38th parallel, but further advances were halted by the Chinese intervention in the war. The war ended on July 27, 1953, with an armistice agreement that divided Korea along the 38th parallel, which remains the border between the two Koreas today.