The document provides background information on the Korean War which occurred from 1950-1953. It discusses how Korea was divided after World War 2 along the 38th parallel with the Soviet Union occupying the north and the United States occupying the south. Tensions grew between the U.S. and USSR in the early Cold War period, contributing to conflicts like the Korean War. The war began when North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, drawing in U.S. forces fighting under a U.N. mandate to defend the south. While an armistice was signed in 1953, the issues dividing North and South Korea remained unresolved.

1. Bringing Korea to the K-12 ClassroomsBringing Korea to the K-12 Classrooms
The Korean WarThe Korean War
((June 25,1950 to July 27,1953June 25,1950 to July 27,1953))
National Korean Studies Seminar
Copyright 2014
Sung Kim and Mary Connor

2. The Two Brothers (Korean WarThe Two Brothers (Korean War
Museum, Seoul, South Korea)Museum, Seoul, South Korea)

3. The Korean War (1950-1953)The Korean War (1950-1953)
 The Korean War was a civil war. Brothers foughtThe Korean War was a civil war. Brothers fought
and killed one another as Americans fought andand killed one another as Americans fought and
killed their fellow countrymen during the Civilkilled their fellow countrymen during the Civil
War.War.
 The Korean War was also part of the Cold War,The Korean War was also part of the Cold War,
a struggle between the United States and thea struggle between the United States and the
former Soviet Union.former Soviet Union.
 The Korean War armistice was signed in 1953,The Korean War armistice was signed in 1953,
but the issues of that war remain unresolved.but the issues of that war remain unresolved.

4. Table of ContentsTable of Contents
 IntroductionIntroduction
 The End of WWII and the Division of KoreaThe End of WWII and the Division of Korea
 The Post-War World and the Cold WarThe Post-War World and the Cold War
 Emerging Leaders and Occupation Forces in SouthEmerging Leaders and Occupation Forces in South
and North Koreaand North Korea
 The Causes and Phases of the WarThe Causes and Phases of the War
 Summary and Flags of U.N. ForcesSummary and Flags of U.N. Forces
 Statistics Connected to the WarStatistics Connected to the War
 The Results of the Korean WarThe Results of the Korean War
 Education during the Korean WarEducation during the Korean War

5. The End of WWII (1945)The End of WWII (1945)
 On August 6 and 9, 1945 the UnitedOn August 6 and 9, 1945 the United
States dropped two atomic bombs onStates dropped two atomic bombs on
Japan and ended World War II.Japan and ended World War II.
 The Soviet Union sent troops into Korea toThe Soviet Union sent troops into Korea to
liberate the peninsula from Japan.liberate the peninsula from Japan.
 The United States had no troops nearThe United States had no troops near
Korea and feared that the USSR wouldKorea and feared that the USSR would
take control of Korea.take control of Korea.

6. The Division of KoreaThe Division of Korea
 As Soviet troops poured into Korea, two UnitedAs Soviet troops poured into Korea, two United
States officials, without consulting any Koreans,States officials, without consulting any Koreans,
made a proposal to the Soviet Union that led tomade a proposal to the Soviet Union that led to
the division of Korea.the division of Korea.
 This proposal suggested that Korea be dividedThis proposal suggested that Korea be divided
temporarily at the 38temporarily at the 38thth
parallel and that the USSRparallel and that the USSR
would occupy the North and the United Stateswould occupy the North and the United States
would occupy the South.would occupy the South.
 The United States was surprised that the SovietThe United States was surprised that the Soviet
Union accepted the proposal.Union accepted the proposal.

7. Background for Understanding theBackground for Understanding the
Post World War II PeriodPost World War II Period
 The United States and the Soviet UnionThe United States and the Soviet Union
became the two major powers in the worldbecame the two major powers in the world
after World War II ended in 1945.after World War II ended in 1945.
 Although the war was over, poverty,Although the war was over, poverty,
devastation, and political instability existeddevastation, and political instability existed
throughout Europe and most of Asia.throughout Europe and most of Asia.
 The United Nations was created in 1945 toThe United Nations was created in 1945 to
maintain peace in what appeared to be amaintain peace in what appeared to be a
very unstable world.very unstable world.

8. Post WWII TensionsPost WWII Tensions
(U.S. and the U.S.S.R.)(U.S. and the U.S.S.R.)
 The world had not stopped Japan or Germany whenThe world had not stopped Japan or Germany when
each took aggressive steps in Asia , Europe and Africaeach took aggressive steps in Asia , Europe and Africa
at the beginning of WWII. After the war the U.S. believedat the beginning of WWII. After the war the U.S. believed
that its lesson was now to stop aggression everywhere.that its lesson was now to stop aggression everywhere.
 The Soviet Union distrusted the United States becauseThe Soviet Union distrusted the United States because
of wartime decisions that contributed to the deaths of 23of wartime decisions that contributed to the deaths of 23
million lives. The death toll for WWII was 62 millionmillion lives. The death toll for WWII was 62 million
people.people.
 The Soviet Union believed that capitalism exploits peopleThe Soviet Union believed that capitalism exploits people
all over the world because that economic systemall over the world because that economic system
inevitably leads to instability and colonialism or imperialinevitably leads to instability and colonialism or imperial
control over less developed countries.control over less developed countries.

9. The Cold War (1945-1989)The Cold War (1945-1989)
 This tension between the Soviet Union and theThis tension between the Soviet Union and the
United States led to what was called the ColdUnited States led to what was called the Cold
War. This tension ultimately contributed to theWar. This tension ultimately contributed to the
outbreak of the Korean War.outbreak of the Korean War.
 After WWII Russian troops remained in EasternAfter WWII Russian troops remained in Eastern
Europe. The U.S. took this as a sign that theEurope. The U.S. took this as a sign that the
Soviet Union was not to be trusted and wasSoviet Union was not to be trusted and was
spreading communism.spreading communism.
 After the tremendous losses in the war theAfter the tremendous losses in the war the
Soviet Union wanted Eastern Europe to protectSoviet Union wanted Eastern Europe to protect
them from further invasions.them from further invasions.

10. The Pros and Cons of CommunismThe Pros and Cons of Communism
 Since the Soviet Union had become aSince the Soviet Union had become a
major world power in a short period ofmajor world power in a short period of
time, many poor people in the worldtime, many poor people in the world
thought communism could bring quickthought communism could bring quick
economic growth and greater equalityeconomic growth and greater equality
between people.between people.
 The United States feared that communismThe United States feared that communism
threatened democracy and capitalism asthreatened democracy and capitalism as
well as the American way of life.well as the American way of life.

11. U.S. President, Harry TrumanU.S. President, Harry Truman
(1945-1953)(1945-1953)
 Since the Soviet Union occupiedSince the Soviet Union occupied
Eastern Europe after the War, PresidentEastern Europe after the War, President
Harry Truman established the TrumanHarry Truman established the Truman
Doctrine to contain communism.Doctrine to contain communism.
 Truman also created the Marshall PlanTruman also created the Marshall Plan
to help the economic recovery ofto help the economic recovery of
Western Europe.Western Europe.
 The U.S. supported the creation ofThe U.S. supported the creation of
NATO, a military alliance with WesternNATO, a military alliance with Western
Europe to stop aggression.Europe to stop aggression.The U.S. President
Harry Truman

12. China becomes Communist and theChina becomes Communist and the
U.S.S.RU.S.S.R
Tests an Atomic BombTests an Atomic Bomb
 In 1949 Mao Zedong won theIn 1949 Mao Zedong won the
battle with Chang Gaesokbattle with Chang Gaesok
(Kai-shek) and brought(Kai-shek) and brought
communism to the entirecommunism to the entire
China mainland.China mainland.
 The Soviet Union in the sameThe Soviet Union in the same
year successfully tested anyear successfully tested an
atomic bomb and ended theatomic bomb and ended the
U.S. monopoly on atomicU.S. monopoly on atomic
weapons.weapons.
Mao Zedong, the
communist
leader of China

13. U.S. Occupation of South KoreaU.S. Occupation of South Korea
(1945-1948)(1945-1948)
 General John Hodge became the leaderGeneral John Hodge became the leader
of the U.S. occupation forces and set up aof the U.S. occupation forces and set up a
government. He appointed propertied,government. He appointed propertied,
anti-communist, well-educated, English-anti-communist, well-educated, English-
speaking people to the new government.speaking people to the new government.
 He also appointed many Koreans who hadHe also appointed many Koreans who had
cooperated with the Japanese duringcooperated with the Japanese during
colonial occupation without realizing thecolonial occupation without realizing the
resentment this would create.resentment this would create.

14. Rhee and South Korea (ROK)Rhee and South Korea (ROK)
 In August, 1948, the Republic of Korea (ROK) wasIn August, 1948, the Republic of Korea (ROK) was
established in South Korea and Rhee Seungmanestablished in South Korea and Rhee Seungman
(a former independence fighter and ardent anti-(a former independence fighter and ardent anti-
communist) was elected the first president. Thecommunist) was elected the first president. The
ROK claimed that it was the only legitimateROK claimed that it was the only legitimate
government on the peninsula.government on the peninsula.
 The United States and many other democraticThe United States and many other democratic
nations promptly recognized the new government.nations promptly recognized the new government.
U.S. troops exited South Korea, leaving poorlyU.S. troops exited South Korea, leaving poorly
trained Korean forces and limited militarytrained Korean forces and limited military
equipment behind.equipment behind.
 The new South Korean government called forThe new South Korean government called for
revolutionary changes such as land redistribution,revolutionary changes such as land redistribution,
the nationalization of industry, and the right to votethe nationalization of industry, and the right to vote
for men and women except for those who hadfor men and women except for those who had
cooperated with the Japanese.cooperated with the Japanese.
Dr. Rhee Seungman,
South Korea’s 1st
President

15. Soviet Occupation of North KoreaSoviet Occupation of North Korea
(1945-1948)(1945-1948)
 The Soviet occupation forces fired KoreanThe Soviet occupation forces fired Korean
government officials who had worked with thegovernment officials who had worked with the
Japanese during colonial occupation.Japanese during colonial occupation.
 Large industries were nationalized, JapaneseLarge industries were nationalized, Japanese
land was seized and most landlords lost theirland was seized and most landlords lost their
property.property.
 When Kim Il Sung was appointed in 1946 toWhen Kim Il Sung was appointed in 1946 to
head the provisional government, he organizedhead the provisional government, he organized
an army. Christian churches remained open, butan army. Christian churches remained open, but
Christian political activities were ruthlesslyChristian political activities were ruthlessly
stamped out.stamped out.
 During this period two million Koreans fled to theDuring this period two million Koreans fled to the
South.South.

16. Kim Il Sung and North KoreaKim Il Sung and North Korea
(DPRK)(DPRK)
 In 1948, the North KoreaIn 1948, the North Korea
communists established thecommunists established the
Democratic People’s RepublicDemocratic People’s Republic
of Korea (DPRK), and Kim Ilof Korea (DPRK), and Kim Il
Sung was elected president.Sung was elected president.
 The USSR approved the NorthThe USSR approved the North
Korea government andKorea government and
withdrew its troops, but left awithdrew its troops, but left a
large number of modernlarge number of modern
military weapons and advisorsmilitary weapons and advisors
to train Kim Il Sung’s forces.to train Kim Il Sung’s forces.
Kim Il Sung, the first
President, of
North Korea

17. Kim Il SungKim Il Sung
 When Kim Il Sung was 17, the JapaneseWhen Kim Il Sung was 17, the Japanese
imprisoned him for three months for organizing aimprisoned him for three months for organizing a
Korean youth organization.Korean youth organization.
 He became a famous anti-Japanese guerillaHe became a famous anti-Japanese guerilla
fighter, having close contacts with communistsfighter, having close contacts with communists
in the Soviet Union and China.in the Soviet Union and China.
 Once in power as the leader of North Korea, heOnce in power as the leader of North Korea, he
moved quickly toward a dictatorship.moved quickly toward a dictatorship.
 Determined to reunify Korea by force, he startedDetermined to reunify Korea by force, he started
the Korean War with the reluctant support ofthe Korean War with the reluctant support of
Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union,Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union,
and Mao Zedong.and Mao Zedong.

18. Preparing for WarPreparing for War
 There had been frequent minorThere had been frequent minor
skirmishes near the 38th parallelskirmishes near the 38th parallel
between 1945 and 1950.between 1945 and 1950.
 Kim Il Sung had repeatedlyKim Il Sung had repeatedly
asked Stalin for permission toasked Stalin for permission to
invade the South. In 1950 Stalininvade the South. In 1950 Stalin
finally gave his permission onfinally gave his permission on
the condition that Mao wouldthe condition that Mao would
support the invasion.support the invasion.
 Mao agreed and sent 60,000Mao agreed and sent 60,000
troops to North Korea.troops to North Korea.
Joseph Stalin, the
leader of the Soviet
Union

19. Key Figures During theKey Figures During the
The Korean WarThe Korean War
Kim
Il Sung
Rhee
Seung-
man
General
Douglas
MacArthur
President
Harry
Truman
Mao
Zedong
Joseph
Stalin
Principal
Leaders

20. Time Line: Phase 1Time Line: Phase 1
(June to September 1950)(June to September 1950)
 On June 25, 1950On June 25, 1950 the North Korean athe North Korean armyrmy
followed by Soviet tanksfollowed by Soviet tanks crossedcrossed the 38ththe 38th
parallel.parallel. Within three days the NorthWithin three days the North
Korean army captured all of the KoreanKorean army captured all of the Korean
peninsula except for the area aroundpeninsula except for the area around
Pusan.Pusan.
 Without a formal declaration of war,Without a formal declaration of war,
President Truman sent U.S. air and navalPresident Truman sent U.S. air and naval
forces to Korea, but could not stop theforces to Korea, but could not stop the
North Korean army.North Korean army.
 President Truman then requested thePresident Truman then requested the
assistance of the United Nations (UN).assistance of the United Nations (UN).
 The UN Security Council decided toThe UN Security Council decided to
defend South Korea and voted Generaldefend South Korea and voted General
Douglas MacArthur as Commander of theDouglas MacArthur as Commander of the
UN forces (90% were American)UN forces (90% were American)
General Douglas
MacArthur, Chief
Commander of UN
Forces

21. Time Line: Phase 2Time Line: Phase 2
(September to October 1950)(September to October 1950)
 On September 15, 1950, MacArthur carriedOn September 15, 1950, MacArthur carried
off a surprise landing at Inchon harbor.off a surprise landing at Inchon harbor.
Quickly moving inland, thousands of UNQuickly moving inland, thousands of UN
forces liberated Seoul and pushed theforces liberated Seoul and pushed the
North Korean army back to the 38North Korean army back to the 38thth
parallel.parallel.
 Truman believed that the entire KoreanTruman believed that the entire Korean
peninsula should be liberated from thepeninsula should be liberated from the
communists and authorized the UN forcescommunists and authorized the UN forces
to cross the 38to cross the 38thth
parallel.parallel.
 In October, 1950, UN forces and the SouthIn October, 1950, UN forces and the South
Korean army marched to the north,Korean army marched to the north,
captured the capital (Pyongyang), andcaptured the capital (Pyongyang), and
continued towards the Yalu River on thecontinued towards the Yalu River on the
border of China.border of China.UN forces liberated Seoul
(Sept. 15, 1950)

22. Time Line: Phase 3Time Line: Phase 3
(October 1950 to June 1951)(October 1950 to June 1951)
 On October 25, 1950, MaoOn October 25, 1950, Mao
Zedong sent hundreds ofZedong sent hundreds of
thousands of Chinese troops intothousands of Chinese troops into
North Korea. The Chinese armyNorth Korea. The Chinese army
poured into Korea and UN forcespoured into Korea and UN forces
retreated back to the south.retreated back to the south.
 On January 4, 1951, Seoul fellOn January 4, 1951, Seoul fell
again to the North’s armed forces.again to the North’s armed forces.
 By March, 1951, UN forcesBy March, 1951, UN forces
recaptured Seoul.recaptured Seoul.
 Continuing back and forth, theContinuing back and forth, the
front line then stabilized aroundfront line then stabilized around
the 38the 38thth
Parallel.Parallel.
Many thousands of Chinese
soldiers marched to the south.

23. Truman Fires MacArthurTruman Fires MacArthur
 With some stability around the 38With some stability around the 38thth
parallel,parallel,
the United States and the Soviet Unionthe United States and the Soviet Union
welcomed negotiations.welcomed negotiations.
 MacArthur wanted to extend the war intoMacArthur wanted to extend the war into
China to liberate it from communism.China to liberate it from communism.
 Truman fired MacArthur because heTruman fired MacArthur because he
disagreed with the Commander of the UNdisagreed with the Commander of the UN
and believed that a war with China couldand believed that a war with China could
cause WWIII.cause WWIII.

24. The Prisoners of War IssueThe Prisoners of War Issue
 During negotiations, the mostDuring negotiations, the most
controversial issue was the fate of thecontroversial issue was the fate of the
prisoners of war.prisoners of war.
 The U.S. insisted it would only returnThe U.S. insisted it would only return
those North Korean and Chinesethose North Korean and Chinese
prisoners who wanted to go home. Butprisoners who wanted to go home. But
North Korea objected.North Korea objected.

25. Time Line: Phase 4Time Line: Phase 4
(June 1951 to July 27,1953)(June 1951 to July 27,1953)
 Finally after two years of negotiations, a truce wasFinally after two years of negotiations, a truce was
signed at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953.signed at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953.
 A four-mile wide demilitarized zone (DMZ), calledA four-mile wide demilitarized zone (DMZ), called
the Joint Security Area (JSA), was establishedthe Joint Security Area (JSA), was established
across the peninsula.across the peninsula.

26. Panmujom (the armistice wasPanmujom (the armistice was
signed in one of these buildings)signed in one of these buildings)

27. Viewing North Korea from the DMZViewing North Korea from the DMZ

28. 한국전쟁의 경과한국전쟁의 경과
Korean War
Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4
9. 15.1950
- 10. 25.1950
MacArthur
at Inchon
Seoul
liberated
March
Northward
10. 25.1950
- 6. 23.1951
6.23.1951
- 7.27.1953
Front line
stabilized
Chinese
Invasion
6. 25.1950
-9. 15.1950
North Korea
Invaded
Seoul
Captured
Retreat
to the south
Truce signed
DMZ settled
Summary of the War

29. United Nations ForcesUnited Nations Forces
Australia
( 호주 )
Belgium
( 벨기에 )
Army
Canada
( 캐나다 )
Army
Navy
Air Force
Colombia
( 콜롬비
아 )
Army
Navy
battleship
Army,
Air Force
Navy

30. UN ForcesUN Forces
Ethiopia
( 이디오피아 )
Army
France
( 프랑스 )
Army
United
Kingdom
( 영국 )
Army
Navy
Air Force
battleship
Greece
( 그리스 )
Army
fighter planes

31. UN ForcesUN Forces
Netherlands
( 네덜란드 )
Army
Navy
Luxembourg
( 룩셈부르크 )
Army
New Zealand
( 뉴질랜드 )
Army
Philippines
( 필리핀 )
Army
tank corps

32. UN Forces (16 countries)UN Forces (16 countries)
South Africa
( 남 아프리카 )
Air Force
Thailand
( 태국 )
Army
Navy
Air Force
Turkey
( 터키 )
Army
United States
( 미국 )
90% of UN Forces:
Army, Navy, Air
Force, battleships,
fighter planes,
weapons, supplies

33. Other SupportOther Support
Medical Support
Denmark
India
Italy
Norway
Sweden
Japan
( 일본 )
Joined unofficially
Navy and battleships

34. Korean War StatisticsKorean War Statistics
CiviliansCivilians SoldiersSoldiers U.S.U.S. UNUN
forcesforces
totaltotal
990,000990,000
MostlyMostly
SouthSouth
KoreansKoreans
900,000Chinese900,000Chinese
520,000 North520,000 North
270,000 South270,000 South
54,00054,000 130,000130,000 3,000,0003,000,000
 Around three million people, almost one- tenth ofAround three million people, almost one- tenth of
the entire population were killed, wounded, andthe entire population were killed, wounded, and
missing.missing.
 One-third of the dead were civilians. Another fiveOne-third of the dead were civilians. Another five
million became refugees and orphans.million became refugees and orphans.

35. Civilian VictimsCivilian Victims
 When the North Korean troops captured Seoul,When the North Korean troops captured Seoul,
thousands of South Koreans were killed.thousands of South Koreans were killed.
 When the North Koreans retreated to the north,When the North Koreans retreated to the north,
many South Korean civilians were kidnapped ormany South Korean civilians were kidnapped or
missing.missing.
DeadDead WoundedWounded MissingMissing TotalTotal
374,160374,160 229,625229,625 388,234388,234 992,019992,019

36. The Results of the Korean WarThe Results of the Korean War
 Korea remains divided, and U.S. troops are stillKorea remains divided, and U.S. troops are still
stationed in South Korea.stationed in South Korea.
 The war resolved none of the issues of the warThe war resolved none of the issues of the war
and left a legacy of bitterness and tension.and left a legacy of bitterness and tension.
 Korea was one of the poorest areas of the world,Korea was one of the poorest areas of the world,
and both North and South Korea were virtuallyand both North and South Korea were virtually
destroyed. After 3 years of U.S. bombing hardlydestroyed. After 3 years of U.S. bombing hardly
a building remained in North Koreaa building remained in North Korea
 Ten million people remained separated fromTen million people remained separated from
their families by the 38their families by the 38thth
parallel.parallel.

37. Results of the Korean WarResults of the Korean War
 Each of the Koreas blamed the other asEach of the Koreas blamed the other as
the sole aggressor of the war.the sole aggressor of the war.
 The results contributed to the growth ofThe results contributed to the growth of
authoritarian rule and suppression of civilauthoritarian rule and suppression of civil
rights both north and south of the DMZ.rights both north and south of the DMZ.
 The U.S. concluded that it could containThe U.S. concluded that it could contain
communism and entered the Vietnamcommunism and entered the Vietnam
War.War.

38. Education during the Korean WarEducation during the Korean War
 During the Korean War about 80 percent of allDuring the Korean War about 80 percent of all
educational facilities were damaged oreducational facilities were damaged or
destroyed. In spite of the widespread hunger,destroyed. In spite of the widespread hunger,
death, destruction, dislocation, and a shortage ofdeath, destruction, dislocation, and a shortage of
teachers, textbooks, supplies, and buildings,teachers, textbooks, supplies, and buildings,
efforts were made as early as 1951 to resumeefforts were made as early as 1951 to resume
education. Korean parents willingly sent theireducation. Korean parents willingly sent their
children to factories, refugee camps, tents, orchildren to factories, refugee camps, tents, or
even street schools if this was all that waseven street schools if this was all that was
available.available.

39. Picture GalleryPicture Gallery

40. Picture GalleryPicture Gallery

41. Picture GalleryPicture Gallery

42. Picture GalleryPicture Gallery

43. Picture GalleryPicture Gallery

44. Picture GalleryPicture Gallery

45. Picture GalleryPicture Gallery

46. Picture GalleryPicture Gallery

47. BibliographyBibliography
 Cumings, Bruce.Cumings, Bruce. Korea’s Place in the SunKorea’s Place in the Sun
 Connor, Mary E.Connor, Mary E. The Koreas: A Global StudiesThe Koreas: A Global Studies
Handbook (Handbook (20022002).). Santa Barbara, CA, ABC-CLIO, Inc.Santa Barbara, CA, ABC-CLIO, Inc.
 Norton, Mary Beth, et al.Norton, Mary Beth, et al. A People and a NationA People and a Nation
 http://www.korean-war.com/TimeLine/1950/06-25to08-03-50.hhttp://www.korean-war.com/TimeLine/1950/06-25to08-03-50.h
 http://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&q=ghttp://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&q=g
 http://www.panmunjomtour.com/dmz/dmz_2.htmhttp://www.panmunjomtour.com/dmz/dmz_2.htm
 http://preview.britannica.co.kr/bol/topic.asp?article_id=b25h34http://preview.britannica.co.kr/bol/topic.asp?article_id=b25h34