1) Before World War 2, Korea had been invaded by both China and Japan throughout its history and was split along the 38th parallel after WWII, with the North becoming communist under Kim Il-sung and backed by Stalin, and the South becoming a democratic republic. 2) On June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea and pushed southward, overwhelming American forces. US troops retreated to gain time to prepare a counterattack while conceding land. 3) After starting to regain ground at Pusan, US and South Korean forces pushed north and retook Seoul, eventually signing a ceasefire on July 27, 1953 that ended the war along the original 38th parallel border.

4. Containment - the process of not letting communism spread to other countries Containment Song

7. N. Korea decided to cross the 38th parallel U.S. came to the aid of South Korea US and S. Korean troops retreat to southern Korea to gain time despite having to give up land to N. Koreans US and S. Koreans moved northward by starting with a victory at Pusan Headed North to take control of Seoul and give back to the people of South Korea.