Causes Of The Korean War

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The Korean War was a significant event in the cold war, it is also known as the ‘forgotten war” because it has been overshadowed by a much larger communist war in Vietnam. The main cause of this war was the constant spread of communism, As communism swept through taking over countries including china, the United States became terrified of it spreading, they quickly made a plan to stop it, and it is known as the Truman doctrine which states that the U.s will help any country that is being threatened by communism. However in 1950 South Korea which was under U.s control was invaded by North Korea. Now it was time for the United States to take action. At the end of the Second World War, the north was taken over by the Soviet Union, and the south was taken over by the Americans. At the Potsdam conference the United States and USSR agreed on a line which dived the north and south known as the 38th parallel line. There had always been tight relationships between the North’s leader Kim sung and Syngman Rhee the ruler of South Korea. North Korea had a much larger and powerful army than South Korea which made most of South Koreas population communist. In order for the south to win, they would need the help of United States troops. United States president Truman and General Douglas MacArthur worked together to save South Korea but, there goal was to take over Korea and get rid of communism. In March 1950 Stalin gave Kim sung permission to invade south Korea and start the Korean war, he thinks that the united states has little interest in south Korea but he is proved wrong. The United States joins the war, July 27, 1950. Macarthur withdraws marines from the Pusan perimeter to invade the port of Inchon, this furious attack pushed the North... ... middle of paper ... ...hey agreed to make a demilitarized zone on the 38th parallel line or between north and South Korea. The United States promised to restore south Korea and help build up a larger military force. The United States and china try working together to solve the Korea issue, leaders from china, North Korea and the United States meet at Panmunjom, it is known as the peace village and is located on the 38th parallel, no decisions are made because of anger and accusations from both sides. A new conference is made, this time it is meant to be kept peaceful. The Geneva conference began between just the United States and china to unify Korea, however no agreement was made so Korea remains divided today. Truman’s goal of making Korea entirely communist free was never reached. The Korean War was significant in the cold war, because it led to an even larger communist war in Vietnam.

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