Korean War History
Korean War History
Korean War History
General MacArthur disagreed with President Truman on how to handle the war and was relieved of his command in April,
1951. UN forces counterattacked and the war went back and forth with each side gaining and losing territory before the
war eventually came to a stalemate. The cease-fire was signed on July 27, 1953, and has never been replaced by a
formal peace treaty. It set up a 4-kilometer demilitarized zone along the 38th parallel. It was signed by North Korean and
Chinese military leaders on one side, and by the U.S.-led United Nations command on the other. No South Korean
representatives signed the agreement.” Officially the war has never ended, but rather is in a “paused” condition.
numbers were very high. The Korean War was the first major war of the Cold War era.
FCPS HS Social Studies © 2012
Korean War (1950-1953): (cont.) FCPS U.S./Virginia History SOL Standards: VUS 13b
Key Vocabulary Capitalism: a governments’ economic system Truman Doctrine: policy that America would
38th Parallel: circle of north latitude that that is based on private property, including private provide economic and military aid to any nation
divides North and South Korea ownership of the means of production, and fighting communism
profit motive
United Nations: international peace-keeping Demilitarized zone: a region between countries
organization after World War II Containment: America’s policy of stopping in which no military activity is permitted
communism from spreading
Communist: an authoritarian system of Militarization: a society organized around
government in which a single party controls a Stalemate: a military situation in which neither preparing for military conflict
state-owned economy side can gain an advantage
Quick Review
America’s Reasons for 2. Why did China give aid to North Korea? 3. Today, the demilitarized zone shows that:
Entering the Korean War A. It wanted to take over Korea. A. There is still tension between the North
North Korea invades South Korea
B. It was a long-time enemy of America. and South.
Stop the spread of communism
? C. Both were communist countries. B. Korea is a united country
D. Both wanted to conquer America. C. The North and South will soon be united
1. What is the best choice to complete D. America has abandoned helping
the graphic? South Korea.
A. Defeat the Soviet Union
B. Protect Japan
C. Show off its military strength
D. Unite Korea under communism