What were the main events of the Korean War?

The main events of the Korean War include the North Korean invasion, UN intervention, Chinese involvement, and the armistice agreement.

The Korean War began on 25th June 1950 when North Korean forces, backed by the Soviet Union, invaded South Korea, crossing the 38th parallel. This surprise attack aimed to unify Korea under communist rule. The invasion quickly overwhelmed South Korean forces, pushing them back to the Pusan Perimeter in the southeast corner of the peninsula.

In response, the United Nations, led by the United States, intervened to support South Korea. Under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, UN forces launched a successful counteroffensive with the Inchon Landing in September 1950. This amphibious assault behind enemy lines recaptured Seoul and forced North Korean troops to retreat.

As UN forces advanced towards the Yalu River, the border with China, the Chinese government felt threatened and entered the war in October 1950. Chinese troops, known as the People's Volunteer Army, launched a massive counterattack, pushing UN forces back and recapturing Seoul in January 1951. The war then settled into a bloody stalemate around the 38th parallel, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

Throughout 1951 and 1952, peace talks began but were frequently interrupted by continued fighting. The negotiations were complicated by issues such as prisoner exchanges and the future political status of Korea. Finally, on 27th July 1953, an armistice agreement was signed, effectively ending the fighting. The agreement established the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) along the 38th parallel, which remains one of the most fortified borders in the world.

The Korean War had significant impacts, including the solidification of the Cold War divide, the devastation of Korea, and the ongoing division between North and South Korea.