Question

What was the Korean War and how did it relate to the Cold War?

Answer 1

The Korean War was a conflict between South Korea (the United Nations) and North Korea (the Soviet Union and China.)

Explanation:

Korea was controlled by Japan until the end of World War I. After Japan declared war on Russia, Korea was deemed independent. With the United States' permission, Russia occupied Korea north of the 38th parallel. Shortly after, the United Nations stationed troops south of the 38th parallel.

North Korean troops, supplied by China and Russia, invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950. This caused the retreat of the United Nations' troops, of which 88% were American. This was deemed an invasion by the United Nations Security Council, and formal war was declared.

North Korea was winning the war until September 1950. They had pushed the South Korean forces to the port city of Incheon. At this time, the UN launched an amphibious counter attack, which in turn pushed the fighting back to the 38th parallel. The fighting soon turned into a stalemate, until June 27, 1953 when an armistice was signed. This created a demilitarized zone and allowed the return of war prisoners.

The Cold War was a nonviolent conflict between the United States and the USSR. The United States was in support of democracy and a republic, while the USSR was in support of communism. The USSR occupation of North Korea was believed to be a way of spreading communism, and the United States did not want that to happen. This allowed US propaganda to influence the people into hating communism. This, in turn, made many people join the military to fight against China and the USSR.

Source: (https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/korean-conflict/)