Australian History: korean war (1950-1953)
Battle of Inchon
By September, 1950 North Korea had moved swiftly to capture over 90% of Korea and the allied defense was cornered into the area of Pusan, defending the port. The defence has been referred to as the Battle of Pusan Perimeter by the Americans. The failure of North Korea to capture Pusan stifled its hopes for national unification.
The UN forces mount an attack and
recapture Seoul whilst taking over
Inchon to battle the Chinese who
intervened to defend their own
national security and North Korea as well.
The UN forces took full control of Pusan and Macarthur had earlier decided that launching an assault at Inchon, miles behind the Communists’ front line would be decisive as it would cut off the Koreans’ main supply and assist in the recapture of Seoul. The attack took place on September 15th 1950 and through guerilla force reconnaissance, extensive shelling prior to the invasion and the lack of the North Korean military, the UN forces were met with little resistance. The Battle of Inchon ended a string of victories by the invading North Korean People's Army (NKPA) and began a counterattack by United Nations forces that led to the recapture of Seoul.
Chinese Intervention
The Chinese would intervene in the war and take sides with North Korea, after warning American leaders through neutral diplomats that it would intervene if America moved northwards into North Korea, to protect its national security. The UN forces however, continued north towards Yalu River, ignoring stern warnings given by the Chinese. Fighting continued for the next few years where truce negotiations often broke down. It took until February 1953 that the US deliberately leaked to the Chinese that they would use nuclear weapons. Tensions between the warring parties increased, however on July 27th 1953 a truce was signed. The war in Korea ended three years and one month after it had started. The country remained divided and an agreed armistice line was reached roughly north of the 38th Parallel.
Countries Involved
United Nations Forces
= approx. 1.1million troops
South Korea,
Australia,
Belgium,
Canada,
Colombia,
Ethiopia,
France,
Greece,
Luxembourg,
Netherlands,
New Zealand,
Philippines,
South Africa,
Thailand,
Turkey,
United Kingdom,
United States
Communist Forces
= approx. 1 million troops
Communist:
North Korea,
China,
Soviet Union