Chapter 1 : A Split Nation
Ruled by the Japanese for many years, the people of Korea were in celebration when the offical Japanese surrender to the Americans was announced. The Koreans now begian to build up thier damaged country and souls from the agressive Japanese occupiers. But little did they know that thier troubles were just begining.
After the Japanese surrender, the United States and the Soviet Union agreed to divide Korea along the 38th parallel and that Japanese forces north of that line would surrender to the Soviet Union and those south of that line would surrender to the United States. The peninsula was effectively divided into zones of control in the North and South under the administration of the two major powers. However, the USA did not consider this to be a permanent partition. After the partion the two new countries were formed. The People's Republic of Korea or North Korea, and the Republic of Korea, or South Korea. New elections were set up and Governments were installed. The South democratic while the North, Communists.
South Korean President, Syngman Rhee
North Korean Dictator, Kim Jong ll
In the early hours of June 25, 1950 North Korea struck across the 38th parallel and 135,000 troops crossed the border. The Northern government claimed that South Korean troops under the "traitor" Syngman Rhee had crossed the 38th parallel, and thus the South had started the war. Advised and equipped by the Soviets, with 150 T-34s, and huge reserves of manpower, their surprise attack was a success. At least two thirds of the Korean Army, a paper force of 38,000, were off duty at the time, leaving the country open to attack. North Korea attacked at many key places, which included: Kaesong, Chunchon, Uijongbu, and Ongjin. Within days South Korean forces, outnumbered and out-gunned, were in full retreat. Seoul was captured by the North Koreans on the afternoon of June 28.
Several South Koreans move away from thier villages near the border.
PRK soldiers march into South Korea
South Korean Forces continue to defend for as long as they can. UN soilders, and US forces have promised to arive in a short time to assist the ROK troops, but time is a factor, and it wont be long before the South is conquered, unless the US can get there in time.