The United States’ containment policy against Communism resulted in potential conflicts all over the world. Iran, Greece and all of Eastern Europe became potential flash points in the efforts to hold back the tide of Soviet communism. In 1949, an entire new arena of concern arose with the communist overthrow of China. Suddenly, the United States faced a growing threat of communism in Asia.
In the spring of 1950, North Korea’s communist government attacked South Korea, sweeping aside all resistance. A sprinkling of American troops had been stationed in South Korea. Undermanned and under-equipped, they went into headlong retreat. The United Nations, determined not to make the same mistakes as the ill-fated League of Nations, stepped in to defend South Korea with the United States taking the lead role. China would later enter the war directly on behalf of North Korea.
More than 50,000 American soldiers died over the next three years in what became know as “The Forgotten War.” An armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, dividing the country at the 38th parallel. There has never been a peace treaty. American troops continue to help South Korea protect the border from North Korea.