1. Post-World War II Division:
- At the end of World War II, Korea, previously under Japanese rule, was divided along the 38th Parallel.
- The Soviet Union occupied the north, while the United States occupied the south.
2. Cold War Tensions:
- The Korean War was part of the broader Cold War conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, each supporting opposing sides in Korea.
- Both superpowers sought to expand their spheres of influence and prevent the spread of communism.
3. Ideological Differences:
- The division of Korea created two ideologically opposed states: the communist Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the north and the pro-Western Republic of Korea (ROK) in the south.
4. Kim Il-sung's Ambition:
- Kim Il-sung, the leader of North Korea, desired to unify the entire Korean peninsula under communist rule and viewed the South as a threat to his authority.
5. U.S. Containment Policy:
- The United States, under the Truman Doctrine, pursued a policy of containment to prevent the spread of communism. Korea became a testing ground for this policy.
6. Miscalculations:
- Both sides misjudged the other's intentions and capabilities. The North believed it could quickly conquer the South, while the South thought the U.S. would provide direct military support.
7. Outbreak of the Conflict:
- In June 1950, North Korean forces launched a surprise attack across the 38th Parallel, aiming to unify Korea under communist rule.
- The United States responded by intervening on behalf of South Korea, leading to the Korean War.