Korean War and Suez Canal Crisis Notes

Korean War (1950-1953)

• Cause: North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950, aiming to spread communism.
• Initial Invasion: North Koreans quickly pushed to Busan, but Americans intervened around the 38th parallel.
• UN Intervention: The UN sent an army to South Korea due to the absence of China and the Soviet Union.
• UN Forces: The UN forces pushed the North Koreans back to the 38th Parallel.
• Canadian Involvement: Canada sent approximately 26,000 soldiers to hold the 38th Parallel.
• MacArthur's Role: General Douglas MacArthur advanced beyond the 38th Parallel towards the Yalu River, provoking Chinese intervention.
• Chinese Intervention: Thousands of Chinese soldiers pushed UN forces back to the 38th Parallel. MacArthur was fired.
• Stalemate and Truce: From 1951-1953, fighting stabilized around the 38th Parallel. A truce was signed in 1953, but no treaty. Around 516 Canadian soldiers died.
• Aftermath: The 38th Parallel became the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Canada is technically still at war with North Korea.

Suez Canal Crisis

• Background: The Suez Canal, built by the British and French in Egypt, was crucial for trade. In 1948, Israel was established.
• **Nasser