Grade 10 History – 1950-1960s The Forgotten War – The 1950-1953 Korean War

World War II was over, and a period of world uncertainty began.

The United Nations (UN) was established to ensure world peace and orderly development of the world via a process of “Collective Security.” However, the Soviet Union was boycotting the UN Security Council because of UN refuse to recognize the new communist regime in China.

The Soviet Union and the United States began a period called the Cold War. Fearing Communist expansion, the “Free World” formed a number of military defense organizations including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Missiles with nuclear warheads were deployed by both sides as a deterrent to attack and warfare.

On 25 June 1950, the communist forces of North Korea invaded South Korea. To defend the south, the UN issues a condemnation to North Korea and called on UN members to unite to stop the North Korean advance. The UN Temporary Commission for Korea was formed, and on 28 June 1950, Canada contributed an army unit to the UN forces. Canada did fight not for Korea; rather, it was supporting the principle of Collective Security.

The United States under General Douglas MacArthur quickly forced the North Koreans to retreat. The USA attacked North Korea

In October 1950, Chinese “volunteers” joined the North Korean forces, and jointly, they forced the USA to retreat to south of the 38th Parallel. The combined UN forces, including Canada, once again stopped the communist advance. A stalemate existed, and a period of trench warfare began.

The winters were extremely cold, and the conditions were unbearable. The Canadians were stationed on Hill 187, and on 2 May 1953, the Chinese attacked with wave after wave of troops. The fighting was intense, and for many Canadians, fighting meant survival.

To end the war, MacArthur suggested using the atomic bomb and invading China. Instead, MacArthur was relieved of his military command.

A cease fire was negotiated on 27 July 1953, and a secure Demilitarized Zone along the 38th Parallel was established. A peace agreement was never signed, and the Korean War continues to this day.

Over 500 Canadian died in the Korean War. The Korean War was the first time in modern history that an international assembly of nations voted and acted to push back an aggressor. Yet, Canadians no longer cared. Thus, the Korean War became Canada’s Forgotten War.