Following the aftermath of World War II, the nation of Korea, a former colony of Japan, was temporarily divided into two distinct zones by the 38th parallel. This provisional line separating the districts became permanent as two major powers, the Soviet Union and United States of America, began to exert their political viewpoints. The differences of perspective, especially between the ideology of communism and democracy, raised many tensions and conflicts. On June 25, 1950, the North Korean army launched its first actual invasive attack on South Korea, with intentions to capture Seoul, the capital city. In response to this attack, the American government made an executive decision to protect South Korea and fend off the invaders. Pat Buchanan,