The Korean War (1950–53) was the first major "hot" conflict of the Cold War. After 1945, Korea had been divided along the 38th parallel into a communist North, led by Kim Il-Sung and backed by the USSR and China, and a non-communist South backed by the USA.

Invasion and UN Response

In June 1950, North Korea invaded the South. The USA saw this as proof that communism was spreading and pushed a resolution through the United Nations to defend the South. (The USSR could have blocked it but was boycotting the UN at the time.) UN forces, mostly American and led by General MacArthur, were sent in.

The War Swings Back and Forth

A surprise amphibious landing at Inchon turned the tide, and UN troops advanced almost to the Chinese border. This alarmed China, which poured hundreds of thousands of troops across the border and drove the UN forces back. MacArthur wanted to attack China, even with nuclear weapons, and was sacked by President Truman for going too far.

Stalemate and Significance

The front line eventually settled close to the 38th parallel, where it had begun. An armistice was signed in 1953, but no peace treaty was ever agreed, and Korea is still divided today. The war showed the USA's policy of containment in action and confirmed that the Cold War could turn into real fighting through "proxy" wars.

Year 9 Democracy and Dictatorship

The Korean War