Korea

In 1945, Korea was split along the 38th parallel between a communist north
led by Kim IL Sung, and a non-communist south led by Syngman Rhee.
But communism was growing in the Far East. In 1949, the Communists had
taken power in China. The US developed the 'domino theory' - the idea that,
if one country fell to communism, others would follow like a row of dominoes.
Then, in 1950, a report by the American National Security Council ('NSC68')
recommended that the US stop containment and start to roll back
communism.

August 1945 Japanese army surrenders after being in control of Korea for

35 years. The Soviet Union and America liberate Korea. They agree to divide
Korea along the 38th parallel. North Korea is to be controlled by the Soviet
Union and South Korea is to be controlled by America. America appointed
Syngman Rhee President of South Korea.

April 1950 Stalin gives approval to Kim Il Sung to invade South Korea.
June 20th 1950 The North Korean Army launches its surprise assault on the
South.

The following day the Security Council summoned for emergency session.
Moscow was boycotting the council because of its refusal to admit
communist China. America condemned North Koreas aggression. 2 days
later the Security Council voted to create a United Nations military force
(consisted of 16 nations) to defend South Korea. The Russians couldn't veto
the idea because they were boycotting the UN at the time.
The situation in Korea was dreadful, Syngman Rhees army was retreating and
Kim Il Sungs forces had taken over Seoul in 3 days. The American troops fared
no better than the South Koreans; they had no effective anti-tank weapons.
The American line collapsed. The UN forces are driven back to Pusan.

September 15th 1950 American Marines bombard the port of Inchon.

UN troops attempt to take back Seoul, 50 000 killed in crossfire. After

successfully recapturing Seoul. MacArthur reinstated Syngman Rhee in the
Parliament building. The North Koreans retreat, Truman orders MacArthur to
cross the 38th parallel and pursue the North Koreans.