Korean War, 1950-1953

The Korean War begins with a pre-dawn artillery exchange on the Ongjin peninsula in Hwanghae province. The North Korean Korean People’s Army (KPA) invades South Korea.

The Han River Bridge is demolished by South Korean troops to prevent the North Korean forces from pushing further south. Republic of Korea President Syngman Rhee abandons Seoul and flees south. The Korean People's Army reaches the South Korean capital on June 28.

Truman meanwhile authorizes General MacArthur to use US air and naval forces at his disposal to support the Republic of Korea Army.

President Truman permits the deployment of US ground forces to South Korea. The United States enters the war, drawing on its 100,000-strong occupation force in Japan.

The Soviet Ambassador in Beijing informs Stalin that the Chinese would commit to the Korean War if the Americans interfered and advanced north of the 38 parallel.

The UN adopts Security Council Resolution 84, recommending member states to provide military assistance to the Republic of Korea. General Douglas MacArthur is delegated the task of leading the UN Command, comprised of forces from 16 countries, with the mission of restoring the status quo ante on the Korean peninsula.

On July 12, Syngman Rhee hands over the right to command the Republic of Korea forces to the commander of the United Nations forces.

The fighting reaches a stalemate on the Busan Perimeter. Fearing a reversal in the Korean War, Mao announces the need to send volunteers to ensure a North Korea victory. The next day, Mao the Northeastern Border Defense Army (NEBDA) to complete preparations for war by early September.

UN forces launch an amphibious attack from Inchon (Incheon) and destroy three-quarters of the Korean People's Army (KPA).  The KPA frantically retreats north.

On September 19, UN Forces cross the Han River and attack Seoul in order to regain control of the Republic of Korea's capital, while the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang relays Kim Il Sung’s determination to fight a “long war.”

Kim Il Sung urges Stalin to commit the Soviet Union to the war effort and requests that China joins the fighting as well.

With the UN Forces on the brink of capturing Pyongyang and following an emergency meeting with the CCP Politburo, Mao informs Zhou Enlai and Stalin of the PRC’s intention to intervene in the Korean War. Chinese troops first cross the Yalu River on October 19, 1950.

The United Nations Command launches the "home by Christmas" offensive to counter the Chinese advance. However, within four days, the United Nations Command is in full retreat after the Chinese counter-attack.

Chinese People’s Volunteer forces take Seoul. Peng Dehuai plans to capture the southern banks of the Han River, Kimpo Airport, and Suwon in order to secure Seoul from enemy attack.

Mao Zedong informs Peng Dehuai that a temporary ceasefire would not be profitable to the Chinese People's Volunteers because of UN forces' efforts to reclaim Seoul. Mao orders Peng to initiate “the fourth operation” and capture territory north of the Daejeon-Andong line before conducting any peaceful negotiations. Mao notes that the resulting peace negotiations would provide cover for a final fifth operation that decisively concludes the war.

The UN Command launches "Operation Ripper" with the intent of pushing the communist forces north and retaking Hongcheon, Seoul, and Chuncheon.

Just over a week later, UN forces would recapture Seoul, marking the last handover of the South Korean capital during the Korean War.

Mao Zedong seeks Joseph Stalin’s approval for armistice terms based on the restoration of the prewar status quo along the 38th parallel.

Formal armistice negotiations to end the Korean War begin at Kaesong (Gaeseong).

The United States, North Korea, and China sign the armistice agreement to officially end the Korean War.