How Did The US Involvement In The Korean War

Encircled by two other major conflicts, World War II and the Vietnam War, the Korean War is often lost to history despite the countless effects it had on various countries. After World War II when Japan surrendered, the Korean Peninsula was finally free from decades of Japanese imperialism; however in the years that followed, more conflict and increased tensions occurred that ultimately led to the start of the Korean War in June 1950, just five years after the end of World War II. While many overlook the impacts of the Korean War, it must be understood and enforced that the war truly did change the course of how many countries governed themselves and the relationships between countries. Not only did the war gain attention in Asia, but also from Western countries, specifically the United States. How did the United States’ involvement in the war most prominently affect both the United States and the Korean peninsula, and secondarily, should it

With the United States’ involvement in the war affecting the country politically, economically, and socially, as well as the United States’ actions influencing the development of the Korean peninsula, the Korean War warrants a more significant position in the retelling of American history. After Japan withdrew their influence from the Korean Peninsula, the United States and the Soviet Union still had to come to a consensus on how they themselves would deal with the peninsula after World War II to avoid further conflict. Shortly after the war, the two countries decided to follow the suggestion of the United States and divide the peninsula along the 38th parallel. Once divided, the south would surrender to the United States, while the more communist north would surrender to the Soviet Union. The division was not originally thought to be permanent, however ended up being the first step in creating even more tension within the Korean Peninsula