The Korean War

Japan annexed Korea in 1910 and ruled it until August 1945. At the end of World War II, Japan surrendered to the Soviets in the North, but to the Americans in the South. This created a nation divided into two parts, one communist and one democratic. In 1948, the Republic of Korea, usually called South Korea, was established in the zone formerly controlled by the United States. The government, led by Syngman Rhee, was based in the traditional capitol of Seoul. The communists formed the Democratic people's Republic of Korea in the north, led by Kim Il Sung. After World War II, the United States cut back troops, leaving only 500 troops stationed in South Korea. This led the Soviets to believe they could take over the South by backing a North Korean offensive. On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces led a surprise attack on South Korea. This led to what would eventually be called the Korean War. North Korea moved deep into South Korea in a couple of days, and South Korea called on the UN for help. Since the Soviet UNion was boycotting the UN Security Council they could not veto the council's decision to help South Korea. After the council's decision, President Truman sent in troops from Japan and also sent an American fleet. Sixteen nations sent a total of 520,000 troops bringing the total South Korean forces to 590,000. 90% of these troops were Americans. The forces were put under the command of General Douglas MacArthur who had been a World War II hero.

Written by Arline and JP