Korean War Summary

What was the Korean War? A korean war was an armed conflict that, in fact, is the result of the dispute geopolitics waged between the United States and the Soviet Union in the context of Cold War. Starring North and South Korea, it was the first armed conflict of that period.

For three years (1950-1953), it generated apprehension throughout the world due to the imminent risk of a nuclear war breaking out. After all, the two main military powers of the time were directly involved in the dispute.

Although the Korean War is said to have ended in 1953, no peace treaty has been signed to date. Therefore, the two countries remain separated by a border, rigidly guarded by the military.

What were the causes of the Korean War?

End of Second World War. Defeated, Japanese troops surrender and withdraw from Korean territory occupied during the conflict. However, even before the end of the war, the 38th Parallel had already marked the limits of military action for the Soviets and Americans.

However, in 1945, a sharp division began in the country due to differences in support and ideology. The Democratic People's Republic of North Korea allied with the Soviets. Meanwhile, the Republic of South Korea remained under US rule.

The internal division generated conflicts between the two parties, and one of them was won by Mao Zedong (North Korean) in 1949. This served as a pretext for his troops to organize invasions to try to overthrow the opposing government.

Alleging violation of the 38th parallel, the northern army invaded the southern part on June 25, 1950, conquering Seoul, the country's capital at the time.

How was the Korean War?

The North Korean invasion caused the UN to send troops to the region in order to expel them, returning control of Seoul to the South Koreans. American troops led by General MacArthur arrived at the conflict authorized by the Security Council.

Chinese and Soviet Union, in turn, sent troops to support the North Koreans who, by that time, had conquered almost the entire peninsula. In 1953, the side supported by the capitalists presented the illusory balance of military victories.

Illusory because the entire territory was the scene of extremely bloody conflicts that culminated in the death of approximately 4 million people, most of them civilians. Against this backdrop, Harry Truman begins to launch peace talks.

How did the war end?

The fear of a nuclear conflict was confirmed when the United States threatened to attack the north and China with weapons if the opposing side did not surrender. Thus, in July 1953, the armistice was signed and the end of the Korean War was decreed.

Korean War Consequences

The two Koreas remain divided, both territorially and ideologically. In the climate of tension that prevails, until today, North Korea is governed by Kim Jong-un, descendant of a lineage of socialist presidents.

On the other hand, South Korea has risen as one of the Asian Tigers with foreign investment and technology. Therefore, it left aside the characteristics of an agrarian country to become one of the most developed nations in the world.

As can be seen, no peace treaty was signed between the two countries and the border between the two remains heavily guarded. Entire families were separated due to the impossibility of crossing territories.

After decades of terrorist attacks, in 2018, the current presidents started understandings that could put an end to the conflict.