Existing comment:
Korean War:
Onset of the Korean War:
At the end of World War II, Korea divided into two nations: the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, north of the 38th parallel; and the Republic of Korea to the south. These two governments reflected the political leanings of their principal foreign backers. While the Soviet Union and China supported the government of North Korea, South Korea favored the western powers.
The threat of war became a dominant characteristic of relations between North and South Korea. In June 1950, North Korea crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea, seeking to overthrow the government by force. Moreover, the prior withdrawal of most US military forces made South Korea appear vulnerable. |