1. The Korean War:

2. Post WWII Korea Korea was a Japanese colony from 1910-1945
After WWII – It was taken away from Japan and split at the 38th parallel with the idea that it would eventually be its own country
North Korea – controlled by communists and supported by Soviet Union
South Korea- controlled by a republic gov’t and supported by US

3. North Korea Invades June 1950 – North Korea crosses the 38th parallel
President Truman- asked the UN to help support South Korea
UN Troops go in under Gen. MacArthur

4. Korea at War
North Korea has Soviet Tanks/weapons by August 1950 most of S. Korea under communist control
MacArthur launches counter-attack and N. Korea retreats
UN Forces want to punish N. Korea- advance north of 38th parallel
Communist China threatens to join N. Korea against UN

6. Truman vs MacArthur MacArthur wanted to push on and beat N. Korea
Truman wanted to maintain peace and avoid another World War
MacArthur went public with his disapproval and was fired

7. Cease-fire Peace talks begin in 1951
Stalled till 1952 when new President, Eisenhower arrives in Korea
By 1953 the treaty was signed setting border near 38th parallel
Human cost- 54,000 Americans, 2 million Koreans & Chinese