The Korean War began #OTD, 1950, when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea in a surprise attack. The conflict arose from the division of Korea at the end of World War II, when the peninsula was split into two zones of occupation: the Soviet-backed North and the American-supported South. Both North and South Korea claimed legitimacy over the entire country, creating intense political rivalry. Kim Il-sung, the leader of North Korea, sought to unify the peninsula un

The story behind the 38th Parallel North latitude that divides the Korean peninsula is unnerving for Americans, many of whom have no idea about the Korean War | MEAWW