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The Korean War: A Historical Overview
From Invasion to Ceasefire
June 25, 1950 - July 27, 1953
The Korean War was a conflict that erupted on June 25, 1950, when North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, invaded South Korea. The United States and its allies intervened on behalf of South Korea, leading to a three-year-long war that ended with an armistice on July 27, 1953.
Background: Division of Korea
After World War II, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union occupying the north and the United States occupying the south. This division sowed the seeds for the Korean War, as both sides sought to reunify the peninsula under their respective political systems.
North Korea's Invasion
On June 25, 1950, North Korea launched a surprise invasion of South Korea, crossing the 38th parallel with the intention of conquering the entire peninsula. The North Korean forces quickly overwhelmed the South Korean army and captured Seoul, the South Korean capital.
United Nations Intervention
In response to the invasion, the United Nations Security Council authorized a multinational force under the command of the United States to intervene in Korea. The UN force, supported by troops from various countries, arrived in Korea in July 1950 and helped to halt the North Korean advance.
Stalemate and Armistice
After several months of heavy fighting, the war settled into a stalemate, with the front line roughly along the 38th parallel. Despite numerous peace talks, no agreement could be reached, and the war continued until July 27, 1953, when an armistice was signed. The armistice established a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating North Korea from South Korea, which remains in place to this day.
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