Korean War

Start with an overview

The Korean War is a section of The Cold War unit in History. The resources on this page offer different ways to study it, from maps of the war’s background and events to flashcards and quizzes. Start with the mind map The Korean War that describes the North Korean attack across the 38th Parallel. Its opening gives you a place to begin before looking at the other maps.

For background, the map Important stages leading up to Korean War covers the division of Korea and events before the war. Read it alongside the opening map to connect the background with the attack.

Follow events and consequences

The map The Korean War (1950 - 1953) follows events including the crossing of the 38th Parallel and Truman’s commitment of US naval and air support. Use it after the background map to put those events in order.

Then look at Outbreak, course and consequence of the Korean War, which includes a question about American and Russian involvement. Korean War consequences covers military, strategic and financial consequences. These maps offer different starting points for studying the war and its aftermath.

Combine maps, flashcards and quizzes

After reading a map, use Korean War (5Ws) to practice questions about people, timing and reasons. The deck also includes phases of the war. Then try Korean War - True or False to check your understanding of statements about the war and its background.

Return to the maps when a quiz statement or flashcard question is difficult. Compare the relevant parts of the resources and use them to organize your notes. You can also look at the other Korean War materials in The Cold War unit as you study this section of History. Pick a resource and follow the path that suits your studying.