Korean War dates

Soviet troops withdrew from North Korea, leaving behind only 120 military advisers.

Dec 1948

The NATO pact was signed by the US and 11 other Western nations.

Apr 1949

USSR lifted Berlin Blockade

May 1949

American troops withdrew from South Korea, leaving behind only 500 personnel from the Korea Military Advisory Group to train ROK forces.

June 1949

The USSR exploded its first atomic bomb.

Aug 1949

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) was established.

Oct 1949

Secretary of State Dean Acheson defined the American “defensive perimeter” in Asia as excluding South Korea.

12 Jan 1950

The US Congress voted to cut aid to South Korea and pressed for a reduction in the size of US’ armed forces in Korea.

19 Jan 1950

The USSR concluded the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance, and Mutual Assistance with China.

Feb 1950

the passing of the Korean Aid Bill

Feb 1950

NSC-68 report released in the US warning that it will drift into dangerous neutrality if it fails to move decisively to counter future Soviet aggression

Apr 1950

North Korea invaded South Korea

25 June 1950

UN condemned the attack and passed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 82, calling for the cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of North Korean forces.

25 June 1950

UNSC Resolution 83 declared North Korean actions constituted a breach of peace, recommending UN members provide assistance to South Korea to repel the attack and restore peace on the Korean Peninsula.

27 June 1950

UNSC Resolution 84 authorised the United States to establish and lead a unified command comprised of military forces from UN member states and authorised that command to operate under the UN flag.

7 July 1950

American-led UN forces successful launched a series of offensives. MacArthur launched a bold landing from sea at Incheon, forcing North Korean troops to retreat back across the 38th parallel to avoid encirclement, liberating Seoul

15-16 Sep 1950

Truman gave permission to MacArthur’s forces to cross the 38th parallel. South Korean troops, followed by American forces, moved northwards at great speed to occupy Pyongyang, and headed to the Chinese border along the Yalu River.

Sep 1950

Kim appealed to Stalin for help where he redirected Mao to send Chinese troops across the Yalu River

Oct 1950

The Chinese People’s Volunteer Army launched a major counter-offensive against UN forces and pushed them southwards.

25 Nov 1950

Chinese and North Korean forces captured Seoul

Jan 1951

UN troops mounted a major offensive, re-captured Seoul, and restored a defensive line just north of the 38th parallel.

Mar 1951

Truman dismissed MacArthur mainly because MacArthur openly advocated for an invasion of China and the use of nuclear weapons, against Truman’s wishes.

Apr 1951

Negotiations for an armistice began and remained stalled for 2 years

July 1951

The United States-led UN Command, North Korea, and the PRC signed an armistice, but it was not a permanent peace settlement.

27 July 1953