War On Korea
The Korean War began as a civil war between North and South Korea, but the conflict soon became international when the United Nations and the US joined to support South Korea and the Republic of China joined to support North Korea. The war left Korea divided and brought the Cold War to Asia. The war started on June 25, 1950, and ended on July 27, 1953.
Korea is a peninsula that sticks down out of northern Asia into the Pacific Ocean. It is roughly the shape of Florida, but about 30% larger. It is made up of steep mountains, fast rivers, and many small villages. Trees in Korea are little more than bushes and few flowers ever grow out of the rocky and dry soil. The peninsula creates a land bridge from China and nearly to Japan, making it a breeding ground for war. Both countries view the peninsula as an avenue leading to their homeland. An old Japanese saying calls Korea a "dagger pointed at our hearts," while the Chinese view it as a "hammer pointed at our hearts."