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 Researched by Michael S. |
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Introduction
Did you know that the Korean War
lasted 3 years and 32 days? It was known as the Forgotten War
because it happened between World War II and the Vietnam War. 60
million people had their homes completely destroyed. Many
families were split apart because of the dividing line.
The Cause of the Korean War
Following
World War II, the China took control of North Korea and the United
States took control of South Korea. The dividing line was the
38th parallel. The two Koreas fought against each other to see
who would eventually win Korea. South Korea had the United States
and the United Nations on their side and the North Koreans had Soviet
Union and China to help them.
The Way the Korean War Started
North
Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950. In three days, North
Korea took over Seoul, South Korea’s capital. By late summer,
North Korea had taken over all but one small part of South Korea, but
South Korea battled back into North Korea.
The Mid Way Point of the Korean War
By
November 25, 1950 about 300,000 Chinese troops had entered the
war. Although they fought their way below the 38th parallel, the
weather conditions were too harsh. President Truman decided not
to invade into China’s territory. Truce talks began July 10, 1951
but fighting continued for two more years. About 90% of the South
Korean troops were from the United States.
The End of the Korean War
On
July 27, 1953 the UN, North Korea and China signed an armistice but
South Korea never signed. About 2.5 million Koreans were killed,
wounded or reported missing. Over 33 thousand Americans and 3
thousand UN forces died. About 900,000 Chinese were killed or
injured. After 3 years of war, the dividing line between North
and South Korea ended up about the same place it started. The
Koreans were or still are fighting as of 2003.
Conclusion
In
conclusion, the Korean War resulted in a lot of deaths and property
destruction. After all this the North Korean and South Korean
territories ended up being about the same size as it started. Korean
families are still divided. North Korea and the United States do
not get along. How would you have liked to be in the Korean
War? I wouldn’t.
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