South Korea and North Korea conflict - Free Essay Example

Introduction: The United States and the Soviet Union never fought each directly during the Cold War. However, there were multiple wars in which the two countries assisted opposing nations. One of those wars was the Korean Conflict. So, what was the Korean Conflict and who was involved? At the conclusion of the World War II, in 1945, the nation of Korea, which had been controlled by Japan during the war, was divided into pieces along the 38th parallel (referring to the latitude). North Korea was administered by the Soviet Union, while South Korea was governed by the United States. The Soviet Union assisted North Korea in establishing a communist government, led by Kim II Sung while the United States helped South Korea create a capitalist nation. On June 25th, 1950, North Korea, with the assistance of the Soviet Union, invaded South Korea. The United States and several other nations immediately came to the assistance of South Korea. However, approximately 88% of the fighting force was supplied by th e United States. The American soldiers were commanded by one of the heroes of the World War II, Douglas MacArthur. In October of 1950, China entered the war as well, aiding the North Koreans. After early difficulties, the combined forces of the US and South Korea were able to recapture Seoul (the capital of South Korea) and eventually drive the North Koreans back to the 38th parallel. As the war continued, little progress was made by either side, In April of 1951; President Truman made the controversial decision to remove MacArthur from command. The decision was made for several reasons. MacArthur had provoked the Chinese into entering the war by crossing the 38th parallel. He also openly criticized President Trumans handling of the conflict, believing that he, not the president should have the authority to use nuclear weapons. For the next two years, the opposing sides went back and forth, with all nations involved suffering many losses. There were significant battles such as heartbreak Ridge and Pork Chop Hill, but the end result was a prolonged stalemate, with neither side gaining a clear adva ntage. After three long and bloody years, a cease fire agreement was signed between the two Nations in July of 1953. A demilitarized Zone (known as the DMZ) was established at the 38th parallel. The DMZ is a 2.5 mile wide zone between the two nations where no military personal equipment is allowed. The area surrounding the DMZ still remains the most heavily fortified border in the world. The United States had suffered more than 35000 deaths and more than 8000 soldiers were declared missing in action North and South Korea combined for two million casualties. In 1953 the countrys briefly come together once again. They agreed on a ceasefire but there was no official declaration of peace the borders remained in place and the political views continued to be divided and so it continued at first. North Korea was rich but collapsed in the 1990s. It is ruled by a strait dictatorship and is one of the countries with the highest military expenditure in the world but is also a developing country with a great deal of poverty and famine. People are oppressed and tortured the press is also controlled by the state South Korea. On the other hand, has developed into a democracy with a stable economy. North Korea in particular wants to safeguard its independence and has been causing provocations. Since 2006 through its active nuclear weapons testing. These are not tolerated by many but North Korea leader Kim Jung-un continues to carry out the tests allegedly. In February 2013 a further unauthorized rocket test took place the UN issued the country a ban on travel and had accounts blocked as a response North Korea among other things rescinded its 1953 sealed ceasefire agreement with South Korea. South Korea also resumed rearmament all over the world. The situation between the two countries continues to cause tensions while North Korea has practically no close allies on its side.