Main events of Korean War

Question 1

What was stage 1 (North invaded South)? 3

Answer 1

• North forced US/UN/SK troops back to south-east corner throughout July 1950
• July 29th, Gen. Walker creates Pusan Perimeter as defensive line
• US bombers knock out main supply dumps in Korea

Question 2

What was stage 2 (Operation Chromite)? 5

Answer 2

• June 1950, Truman asks Congress to increase military budget from $13b-$48.2b and increase US armed forces
• MacArthur plans Inchon landing(Operation Chromite) as counter-offensive
• Sept 15th, landing is decisive victory
• Seoul restored
• Oct 1st, combined UNC forces at 38th parallel

Question 3

What was stage 3 (Roll back into NK)? 3

Answer 3

• Early Oct 1950, UN forces cross into NK
• Pyongyang captured Oct 19th
• UN offensive concerned Chinese, who thought UN forces would pass Yalu river and extend roll back policy

Question 4

What was stage 4 (Chinese invasion)? 3

Answer 4

• Il Sung asks Stalin but reluctant so Chinese create CPV made of 300,000 fighters. Oct 14th attack UN forces.
• Chinese allow UN forces some successes to make them think they were winning but counter attacked and by Nov, combined UNC forces cut off in NK
• During early negotiations, Chinese delayed proceedings by rejecting proposals so US re-gathered forces

Question 5

What was stage 5 (Stalemate and 1951 offensives)? 4

Answer 5

• Some of US 2nd division and US first marine corps trapped at Choisin Reservoir
• US introduced policy of attrition, wearing down enemy
• General Ridgway launched series of attacks; Operation Killer, Ripper and Rugged
• MacArthur wanted to push onto China and suggested nuclear bombs but Truman and JCS decided to let him go