10 Things About the Korean War

1. In 1945, communist Soviet troops occupied Korea north of the 38th parallel, while democratic American forces had control south of this line.
2. In June of 1950, North Korean forces crossed the parallel and invaded South Korea. The ensuing conflict was known as the Korean War.
3. President Truman viewed this invasion as a test of the US's foreign policy. US troops as well as troops from other UN nations were sent into Korea under the command of General Douglas MacArthur.
4. Early on, North Korean troops gained ground and pushed South Koreans almost to the Southern most tip of the Peninsula. However, General MacArthur decided to land troops at Inchon, which was a port city behind North Korean lines. Trapped between the two forces, North Korea was forced to retreat across the parallel. General macArthur pursued the North Koreans all the way to the Yalu River, when China warned them to stop.
5. Seeing the UN advancement as a threat, China entered the war on November 25, 1950. They drove the UN back until in 1951, the two sides were in a stalemate at the 38th parallel.
6. General MacArthur wanted to blockade China's coastline and bomb China, but President Truman vetoed the idea. He feared that this action would lead to the Soviets entering the war.
7. The war became unpopular as it dragged on, until in July of 1951, President Truman started talking about a truce. However these talks lasted for two years and into the next presidency.
8. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected in a landslide victory. He speedily compromised a truce with North Korea and China.
9. The war was considered a success for the UN because they had succeeded in containing communism.
10. However, many Americans were frustrated by the indecisive war.