For whatever reason, the United States has a blind spot for the Korean War. Maybe it didn't have a lasting effect on the United States, or maybe it gets overshadowed by Vietnam, but for whatever reason, we're forgetting it.
The current political tension in Korea is a continuation of this conflict. So why was I never taught a single thing about it?
Here are 10 things about the Korean War they didn't teach you in school.
1
Divided
After World War II, North and South Korea were divided on the 38th parallel by the United States, and Soviet Union. Conflict began immediately, with each side establishing their own government.
2
The First Proxy War
The Korean War began when North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25th of 1950. The UN denounced the attack, and moved to support South Korea as the Soviet Union supported the North. This became the first “proxy war” of the Cold War between the Unite States and Russia.
3
South Korea Almost Lost
On June 28, 1950, the Korean People's Army, (KPA), captured Seoul. They went on to push the Republic of Korea Army, (ROKA), all the way to the Pusan Perimeter. On September 15th, UN forces arrived, recaptured Seoul, and turned the tide.
4
North Korea Almost Lost
In October, ROKA captured Pyongyang and approached the Yalu River.
5
China Turned the Tide
However, China entered the war on the North Korean side, and helped propel the KPA back to even ground. They even briefly re-took Seoul in 1951.
6
General Douglas MacArthur was Fired
President Truman and General MacArthur held different positions on the war, with Truman preferring diplomacy, and MacArthur preferring victory. Truman fired MacArthur for his statements on the conflict.
7
The Majority of the War Was Fought With Peace Talks Ongoing
Ceasefire negotiations began in July of 1951, but hit a snag over the return of prisoners. As the war became a war of attrition, things dragged out until 1953.
8
War Crimes
Seoul executed many people suspected of being communists, and Pyongyang tortured prisoners of war. North Korea also became one of the most bombed countries in history, and the war ended with total devastation across both countries.
9
The Borders Never Moved
After three years of war and millions of deaths, the war ended in 1953 in a stalemate, with the border between North and South Korea remaining exactly what it was before the start of the war.
10
It’s Still Going On
The Korean Armistice Agreement ended combat on July 7th, 1953, and created the Demilitarized Zone between the two countries that still exists today. However, no official peace treaty was ever signed, and the two countries remain locked in a “Frozen Conflict.” Tensions remain very high between the two countries.
