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The Korean War was a war between North Korea (with the support of China and the USSR) and South Korea (with the United States’ help).
After Japan’s capitulation, at the end of WWII, Korea was split at the 38th parallel into two control zones. The Soviets controlled the northern half, and the U.S. Army administered the southern-half.
The war began on 25 June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea which was the beginning of the war.
As a result of the hostilities, Seoul passed from hand to hand of the opposing sides 4 times, but in the end, the communists were pushed back to positions nearby the 38th parallel, close to where the war began.
The animated map below created by Reddit user: severetoxic shows the Korean war progress from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953.
After stabilizing the front line, the war continued for two more years until the opposing sides were exhausted. The war ended on 27 July 1953.
Amazing Yet Little-Known Facts About the Korean War
The Korean War technically never ended: The Korean War (1950-1953) ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty, meaning that technically, the war is still ongoing. The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separates North and South Korea and remains one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world.
The war involved the first-ever jet vs. jet dogfights: During the Korean War, the U.S. Air Force and the North Korean Air Force engaged in the first-ever jet vs. jet dogfights in history. The Soviet Union had supplied North Korea with the Soviet-made MiG-15, and the U.S. Air Force responded with the F-86 Sabre.
The Korean War had significant involvement from other countries: While the Korean War is often seen as a conflict between North and South Korea, it was actually an international war. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and 14 other countries provided military support to South Korea, while China and the Soviet Union supported North Korea.
The Korean War had devastating effects on civilians: Civilians were among the hardest hit during the Korean War. It’s estimated that between 2 and 3 million civilians died during the conflict, many from starvation or disease.
The Korean War saw the first combat use of helicopters: During the Korean War, helicopters were used extensively for medical evacuation, resupply, and reconnaissance. They also played a critical role in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where they helped evacuate over 5,000 wounded soldiers.
The Korean War paved the way for the Vietnam War: The Korean War was a precursor to the Vietnam War in terms of U.S. involvement in a foreign conflict. It also set the stage for the Cold War and the geopolitical landscape that followed.
The Korean War resulted in significant advancements in military technology: The Korean War saw the development of new military technologies, including night vision devices, thermal imaging, and improved body armor. These technologies would go on to have a major impact on future conflicts.
The Korean War had a significant impact on popular culture: The Korean War inspired numerous books, movies, and TV shows, including the TV series MAS*H, which was based on a group of doctors serving in a mobile army surgical hospital during the conflict.
