Background
The Korean War (1950-1953) was a conflict between North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and South Korea, supported by the United Nations (primarily the United States). The war began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea, and ended on July 27, 1953, with an armistice agreement.
Causes of the War
The causes of the Korean War can be traced back to the end of World War II and the subsequent division of the Korean peninsula into two separate nations. In 1945, the Allied powers (the United States, the United
Kingdom, and the Soviet Union) agreed to temporarily divide the Korean peninsula along the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union occupying the northern half and the United States occupying the southern half. This division was intended to be temporary, but in 1948, two separate governments were established in the two halves of the peninsula: the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). This division of the peninsula was seen as a threat to both North and South Korea, and tensions between the two countries quickly escalated.
Course of the War
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea. The United Nations Security Council quickly voted to send troops to defend South Korea, and the United States quickly responded by sending troops to the region. The war quickly escalated, with both sides using heavy artillery, tanks, and aircraft. The war continued for three years, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. In July 1953, an armistice was signed, ending the war.
Consequences of the War
The consequences of the Korean War were far-reaching. The war resulted in the deaths of millions of people, and the destruction of much of the Korean peninsula. The war also resulted in the division of the peninsula into two separate nations, with the border between North and South Korea remaining heavily fortified to this day. The war also had a significant impact on the Cold War, as it was seen as a proxy war between the United States and the Soviet Union.