The Korean War

38th parallel

The latitude line that served as the dividing line between North and South Korea, established in 1945 and significant in the Korean War.

Anti-communist sentiment

Widespread fear, distrust, and opposition to communism, especially in the U.S. during the Cold War, influencing foreign policies.

Armistice negotiations

Discussions aimed at reaching a cessation of hostilities, significant during the Korean War to end fighting.

Battle of Inchon

A pivotal military operation in the Korean War (September 15-19, 1950) led by General MacArthur, aiming to recapture Seoul.

Chinese Intervention

Military involvement of China in the Korean War, supporting North Korea against UN forces, beginning in late 1950.

Cold War escalation

Increasing tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, marked by military expansions and confrontations.

Cold War Impact

Political, economic, social, and cultural effects of Cold War tensions from the late 1940s to the early 1990s.

Communism

A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society with public ownership, opposing capitalism.

Containment

A foreign policy strategy aimed at preventing the spread of communism during the Cold War.

Division of Korea

Separation of the Korean Peninsula into North Korea and South Korea along the 38th parallel after WWII.

Douglas MacArthur

Prominent American military leader known for his role in WWII and the Korean War, advocating aggressive strategies.

Harry S. Truman

33rd President of the U.S. (1945-1953), known for shaping Cold War policy and initiatives against communism.

Korean Armistice Agreement

A treaty signed on July 27, 1953, establishing a ceasefire that effectively ended the Korean War.

Korean War

Conflict from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea and South Korea, highlighting the struggle between communism and democracy.

Military spending

Financial resources allocated by a government for maintaining and developing armed forces.

Military-industrial complex

The relationship between a nation's military, government, and defense industry influencing national security policies.

National Security Council Report 68 (NSC-68)

A key document from 1950 outlining U.S. strategy for containing communism, advocating increased military spending.

North Korean Invasion

The attack by North Korea on June 25, 1950, marking the start of the Korean War.

NSC-68

A top-secret policy paper from 1950 proposing a strategy for countering the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Proxy war

A conflict where opposing countries support combatants serving their interests instead of directly engaging in battle.

Psychological warfare

Techniques used to influence perceptions and emotions to achieve strategic goals without direct military confrontation.

Pusan Perimeter

A defensive line established by UN forces in the summer of 1950 to protect South Korea from North Korean invasion.

Red Scare

Intense fear of communism in the U.S. post-WWII, leading to paranoia and suspicion during the Cold War.

South Korea

Republic of Korea, a democratic state that emerged after WWII and became an ally of the U.S. during the Cold War.

Soviet expansionism

The strategy of the Soviet Union to extend its influence over other nations during the Cold War.

Soviet Union

A socialist state from 1922 to 1991, characterized by its rivalry with the U.S. during the Cold War.

Stalemate

A situation in conflict where neither side can make significant progress, exemplified by the Korean War.

Truman Doctrine

A U.S. foreign policy strategy announced in 1947 aimed at containing the spread of communism.

UN Security Council Resolution 83

Resolution adopted on July 27, 1950, authorizing military intervention in the Korean War.

UN Security Council Resolution 84

Resolution adopted on July 7, 1950, authorizing military action to repel North Korean aggression.

United Nations

An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace and cooperation among countries.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 83

Resolution adopted on July 27, 1950, calling for military assistance to South Korea during the Korean War.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 84

Resolution adopted on July 7, 1950, authorizing military support for South Korea in response to the North Korean invasion.