Korean War, conflict between Communist and
non-Communist forces in Korea from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953. At
the end of World War II, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel into
Soviet (North Korean) and U.S. (South Korean) zones of occupation. In
1948 rival governments were established: The Republic of Korea was
proclaimed in the South and the People's Democratic Republic of Korea in
the North.
Relations between them became increasingly strained,
and on June 25, 1950, North Korean forces invaded South Korea. The
United Nations quickly condemned the invasion as an act of aggression,
demanded the withdrawal of North Korean troops from the South, and
called upon its members to aid South Korea. On June 27, U.S. President
Truman authorized the use of American land, sea, and air forces in
Korea; a week later, the United Nations placed the forces of 15 other
member nations under U.S. command, and Truman appointed Gen. Douglas MacArthur supreme commander.
