Korean War: Can It Be Explained In 60 Seconds?

Can the Korean War be explained in just 60 seconds? BFBS Creative decided to take on the challenge in their latest video.

What Lead To The Start Of The Korean War?

At the end of the Second World War, on August 15, 1945, Japan surrendered thus ending its rule over Korea.

America and the Soviet Union (USSR) divided Korea into, what we now call, North and South Korea.

In the North, the USSR created a communist government, calling themselves the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In the South, America created a pro-western government, known as the Republic of Korea.

There were often border skirmishes between North and South.

WATCH: 60 Seconds - Korean War

Korean War In Sixty Seconds

On June 25, 1950, the North Korean Army, with support from USSR invaded South Korea, quickly capturing the capital Seoul. They pushed the South Korean Army and American forces back to an enclave at Pusan.

Fearing that communism would rise in the region US President, Harry S Truman, persuaded the United Nations (UN) to issue a resolution to defend South Korea.

The force was formed of 16 nations and was under the charge of US General Douglas MacArthur, who took his orders from President Truman, not the UN.

The offensive attack was launched from Incheon and ultimately it was a success. Seoul was liberated, and the North Korean Army was pushed back, only stopping when they were close to the Chinese border.

However, the Chinese Army joined the fight after feeling threatened. With their support, the North Korean Army was able to push the UN Army back and re-capture Seoul.

General MacArthur considered the use of an atom bomb and was discharged from command.

In July 1953, the UN force had pushed the North Korean Army back across the 38th Parallel, the division between the two sides. The fighting reached a stalemate and the two sides agreed to a ceasefire.

A de-militarised zone was created, and still now, nearly 70 years later, no official resolution has been reached.