AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: The Korean War (258/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about the Korean War as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Nashville Tennessean, Korean War Project

The Korean War, a proxy war which began in 1950, emerged from the post-World War II division of Korea into North and South at the 38th parallel, following the defeat of Japanese colonial rule. 

Korean War, Wikimedia Commons

North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea in an attempt to reunify the peninsula under communist rule. The U.S., under the auspices of the United Nations, intervened on behalf of South Korea. 

Soldiers in the 2nd Infantry, Wikimedia Commons

Despite initial advances by North Korean forces, U.S.-led UN forces, including troops from South Korea and other allied nations, pushed them back to the northern border. 

Korean War, Wikimedia Commons

However, Chinese intervention in late 1950 resulted in a stalemate, leading to years of trench warfare along the 38th parallel. The war ultimately ended in 1953 with an armistice agreement that restored the pre-war status quo of a divided Korea.

The Korean War heightened Cold War tensions, leading to increased militarization and competition in Asia and intensified the U.S. commitment to containing communism around the world.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Causes of the Vietnam War in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!