The Korean War between North and South Korea, also known as the Korean Conflict, was a pivotal event in the history of the 20th century. This timeline outlines the key events and milestones that shaped the course of this conflict.
1. June 25, 1950: The Korean War begins when North Korean forces, supported by the Soviet Union, invade South Korea. The United Nations Security Council passes a resolution calling for the withdrawal of North Korean troops and the restoration of South Korean sovereignty.
2. July 1950: The United States, as a member of the United Nations, sends troops to South Korea to repel the North Korean invasion. The Chinese People’s Volunteer Army (PVA) also enters the conflict, fighting alongside North Korea.
3. September 1950: United Nations forces, led by the United States, push North Korean forces back across the 38th parallel, reaching the Yalu River, the border between North Korea and China.
4. October 1950: The PVA launches a counteroffensive, pushing United Nations forces back to the 38th parallel. This marks the first major Chinese intervention in the war.
5. January 1951: The war reaches a stalemate, with both sides dug in along the 38th parallel. Negotiations begin to seek a peaceful resolution.
6. June 1951: The Korean Armistice Agreement is signed, bringing an end to active combat. The agreement establishes the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as a buffer zone between North and South Korea.
7. 1953: The armistice agreement is finalized, and the DMZ is officially established. Casualties from the war are estimated to be around 5.3 million, with over 2 million deaths.
8. 1953-1973: The Korean War continues to have a lasting impact on the Korean Peninsula. The North and South Korean governments remain in a state of technical war, with tensions occasionally flaring up.
9. 1991: The Cold War ends, and the Soviet Union collapses. This event contributes to a easing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
10. 2000: South Korean President Kim Dae-jung initiates the Sunshine Policy, aimed at improving relations with North Korea. This policy leads to a period of diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation.
11. 2018: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in hold a historic summit in Pyongyang, where they commit to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and improving bilateral relations.
The Korean War between North and South Korea remains a significant event in the history of the 20th century, with its legacy still felt today. This timeline provides a brief overview of the key events and milestones that shaped this conflict.
