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Korea
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Before the end of World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union agree to divide Korea at the 38th parallel for the purpose of accepting the surrender of Japanese troops.
The United States supports the founding of the Republic of Korea in the south. It is lead by Syngman Rhee, a nationalist.
Portrait of
Syngman Rhee.
The Soviet Union supports the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north of Korea. It is lead by Kim II Sung, a Communist who led anti-Japanese guerrillas in Manchuria.
Profile of
Kim II Sung.
Border clashes break out between North and South Korea.
With the backing of tacit support from the Soviet Union, North Korea attacks South Korea. North Korean troops cross the 38th parallel into South Korea. This starts off the Korean War.
Chronology of the
Korean War.
The United States, under the banner of the United Nations, joins in the war on the side of South Korea. They are aided by a small contingent of British, Canadian, Australian, and Turkish troops.
UN forces push the North Korean soldiers all the way back to the Yalu River which borders North Korea and Manchuria. The Chinese, viewing this as a threat by UN forces, join the war on the side of North Korea. North Korean and Chinese forces successfully push South Korean and UN forces back past the 38th parallel and up to Seoul, the capital of South Korea.
After continued fighting, an armistice is declared and signed. The Korean War ends. A Demilitarized Zone remains at the 38th parallel.
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