The Struggle over Korea’s Future

Truman

This flow traces the war from invasion through retreat, renewed resistance, and the eventual armistice.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Initial Invasion The Initial Invasion from "Truman". The Initial Invasion Attack North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and drove South Korean forces south. Truman ordered U.S.

The Initial Invasion from "Truman". The Initial Invasion Attack North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and drove South Korean forces south. Truman ordered U.S.

The Initial Invasion Attack North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and drove South Korean forces south. Truman ordered U.S. intervention under United Nations authority. Stakes The initial commitment aimed to stop aggression without converting Korea into a general war.

A Desperate Retreat A Desperate Retreat from "Truman". A Desperate Retreat Pusan American and South Korean forces retreated through severe heat and heavy casualties before forming the Pusan Perimeter.

A Desperate Retreat from "Truman". A Desperate Retreat Pusan American and South Korean forces retreated through severe heat and heavy casualties before forming the Pusan Perimeter.

A Desperate Retreat Pusan American and South Korean forces retreated through severe heat and heavy casualties before forming the Pusan Perimeter. Truman remained committed as the military situation worsened. Test The retreat tested both the Army’s ability to hold and the President’s resolve.

Inchon Reverses the War Inchon Reverses the War from "Truman". Inchon Reverses the War Amphibious Surprise Truman backed MacArthur’s plan for a landing at Inchon despite military doubts about tides and exposure.

Inchon Reverses the War from "Truman". Inchon Reverses the War Amphibious Surprise Truman backed MacArthur’s plan for a landing at Inchon despite military doubts about tides and exposure.

Inchon Reverses the War Amphibious Surprise Truman backed MacArthur’s plan for a landing at Inchon despite military doubts about tides and exposure. The operation succeeded spectacularly. Momentum Seoul was retaken and U.N. forces advanced north, raising hopes that the war could end quickly.

Chinese Intervention Chinese Intervention from "Truman". Chinese Intervention Counteroffensive Chinese forces entered the war in large numbers and drove U.N. forces south.

Chinese Intervention from "Truman". Chinese Intervention Counteroffensive Chinese forces entered the war in large numbers and drove U.N. forces south.

Chinese Intervention Counteroffensive Chinese forces entered the war in large numbers and drove U.N. forces south. The retreat renewed fears of escalation and defeat. Truman’s Choice He rejected calls to attack China or use nuclear weapons, choosing to limit the conflict.

Stalemate and Armistice Stalemate and Armistice from "Truman". Stalemate and Armistice Fighting Around the Line The front stabilized near the 38th parallel while negotiations over prisoners and terms dragged on.

Stalemate and Armistice from "Truman". Stalemate and Armistice Fighting Around the Line The front stabilized near the 38th parallel while negotiations over prisoners and terms dragged on.

Stalemate and Armistice Fighting Around the Line The front stabilized near the 38th parallel while negotiations over prisoners and terms dragged on. Casualties continued despite little movement. End The Korean Armistice stopped the fighting without unifying Korea, leaving Truman’s limited-war policy as a contested but consequential legacy.

June 25, 1950

July–August 1950

September 1950

November–December 1950

1951–1953