Events leading to the Korean War: 1945-1950
| August 1945 |
Korea is divided at the 38th Parallel.
After the Japanese surrender in 1945, both the Soviet Union and
the United States sent troops to demobilize the Japanese troops
that were still in Korea. Two inexperienced American colonels chose
the 38th parallel because
it was easy to find on a map. The Soviet Union dealt with the Japanese
in North Korea and the United States would do the same in the South.
The problem was that dividing Korea at the 38th parallel was not
based on any geographical, cultural, or political lines. |
| September 1947 |
Korea remains divided.
The Soviet Union and the United States could not agree on the fate
of the two Koreas, so the issue was brought up at the United Nations.
The Soviet Union wanted the United States to leave when they did.
Because North Korea did not send any representatives, the two Koreas
remained divided. |
| August 1948 |
The government of North Korea is established.
North Korea is known officially as the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea.
Kim Il Sung becomes the first
Premier of North Korea.
Kim Il Sung (1912-1994) was the chairman of the People’s Committee
in North Korea from 1945, and when North Korea established its own
government Kim Il Sung became its premier. He was trained in the
Soviet Union. Kim Il Sung remained in power until his death, and
his son, Kim Jong Il, took his place. |
| September 1948 |
The government of South Korea is established.
South Korea is now the Republic of Korea. The United Nations sees
South Korea as the government of the entire Korean Peninsula.
Syngman Rhee is elected President.
Syngman Rhee (March
26, 1875-July 19, 1965) was elected the first president of the Republic
of Korea. He had a doctorate degree from Princeton University and
was a very staunch anti-communist. He served as president from 1948
until 1960.
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The Korean War: June 25th, 1950 – July 27th, 1953
| June 25, 1950 |
The Korean War begins.
The North Korean People’s Army invades South Korea, signifying
the start of the Korean War. |
| June 28, 1950 |
Seoul falls to the North.
In just a few days, the NKPA took the capital of South Korea. South
Korean forces crumbled, and in the first few days the NKPA gained
a lot of ground. (Map) |
| August 1, 1950 |
The Pusan Perimeter.
The UN forces were pushed back to a small area on the tip of the
Korean Peninsula known as the Pusan
Perimeter. The UN forces held this small patch of land for six
weeks. |
| September 15, 1950 |
The Inchon Landing.
This brilliant military maneuver by General Douglas MacArthur had
a 5000 to one chance of success. Over 70,000 troops landed at Inchon
and made their way to Seoul. This was a turning point for the UN
forces. |
| September 22, 1950 |
Turning the Tide.
The UN forces trapped in Pusan break out of the Perimeter, and make
their way north. |
| September 17, 1950 (**27th?) |
UN forces from Pusan and Inchon meet up. |
| September 28, 1950 |
Seoul is retaken by friendly forces. |
| September 30, 1950 |
The first UN forces cross
the 38th parallel. |
| October 19, 1950 |
Pyongyang,
North Korea’s capital, falls. |
| October 26, 1950 |
UN forces reach the Yalu river.
The Yalu River separates Korea from China. Despite warnings that
the Chinese might enter the war, MacArthur urged the UN troops forward.
They moved too quickly, which stretched out supply lines and spread
our forces thin. |
| October 27-31, 1950 |
The Chinese enter the war.
The Chinese poured over the Yalu
River, smashed into UN forces and pushed them back. This is
the first phase of the Chinese plan of attack. UN forces retreated
below the Chongchon River. |
November 25-
December 9, 1950 |
Second phase of the Chinese attack.
During this second phase of the Chinese attack, UN troops are forced
to leave Pyonyang and continue fleeing south. 200,000 Chinese troops
in this phase annihilated UN troops above the 38th parallel. |
| December 15, 1950 |
Below the 38th Parallel.
UN forces are forced to retreat below the 38th parallel and back
into South Korea. The Chinese continue to advance. |
| December 23, 1950 |
General Walker dies in a Jeep accident. |
| December 26, 1950 |
General Ridgeway succeeds General Walker.
General Ridgeway takes command of our forces in Korea.. |
December 31, 1950
-January 5, 1951 |
Third Phase in the Chinese attack.
During these few days, the Chinese managed to force UN troops to
withdraw from the South Korean capital of Seoul. |
| February 11-17, 1951 |
The fourth Phase of the Chinese attack. |
| March 14-15, 1951 |
Seoul is recaptured.
UN forces manage to regroup and launch attacks against the Chinese,
eventually taking over Seoul
for the second time in the war. |
| April 22-18, 1951 |
The fifth Phase of the Chinese attack. |
| September 2, 1951 |
Heartbreak and Bloody Ridges. |
| January 1, 1952 |
Heavy Bombardment of Communist positions. |
| May 12, 1952 |
General Ridgeway leaves.
General Ridgeway assumes a post at NATO, and General Clark assumes
his position. |
| July 13, 1953 |
The final phase of the Chinese attack. |
| July 27, 1953 |
The armistice is signed, officially ending the hostilities. |
By: Ryan Ige
Email: ige1284@pacificu.edu
Last Revised: November 27, 2003
Bibliography:
“Kim Il Sung.” Infoplease.com. 17 Nov. 2003.
(http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0827657.html).
Rang, Lee Wha. “Who was Syngman Rhee?”
Korea Web Weekly. 22 Feb. 2000. 17 Nov. 2003. (http://www.kimsoft.com/2000/rhee.htm).
Ridgeway, Matthew B. The Korean War. New York:
Da Capo Press, 1967.
Thomson, James C., and John Curtis Perry. Sentimental
Imperialists: The American Experience in East Asia. New York:
Harper Torchbooks, 1981.
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