The Start of the Korean War

Before around 1910, Japan had annexed Korea and ruled it until 1945. When the war ended , territory was surrendered to allied forces. However, soon after the U.S had to cut back on armed forces in South Korea. This withdrawal lead Soviets to think the U.S would not fight to defend Korea. So soon after, Soviets prepared to back Korea by providing tanks ,airplanes,and money in an attempt to take over the entire peninsula. On June 25, 1950 , North Korea's forces swept across the 38th parallel in a surprise attack on the south.This start of conflict officially started the Korean war. South Korea asks the UN for help against their northern enemies. Days later the vote was passed due to Soviet absence. June 27, President Truman ordered troops stationed in Japan to support the South Koreans. All together,sixteen nations sent about 520,000 troops to aid the south.(90% were American) Also, South Korean troops added an additional 590,000. The combined forces were placed under the command of the General Douglas MacArthur, former World War two hero in the Pacific.