History of North Korea
An average village in North Korea (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/05/asia_pac_unseen_north_korea/html/3.stm)
Though North Korea is roughly the size of the state of Mississippi, it is one of the most well known communist countries in today's modern society. North Korea used to be part of South Korea, known collectively as the Korean Peninsula. The Korean Peninsula has been invaded and controlled by many different cultures and countries, ranging from Mongolia to Japan; political strife and war are all too familiar in Korea.
During World War II, Korea was under the control of Japan. After Japan surrendered in 1945, Korea came under the control of the United States and the Soviet Union. It was divided at the 38th parallel while both countries waited (along with China) to establish a trustee to oversee the new Korean government. The Soviet Union controlled the Northern portion, while the United States was in charge of the Southern region.
At the end of 1945, the United States and China attempted a five-year-trusteeship with the Soviet Union. There were several meetings in order to create a National Government; unfortunately, all attempts were unsuccessful due to the growing rift between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Finally, the US was resigned to the fact that a united Korea would not happen. In 1948, elections were held in Southern Korea. The nationalist group called the Republic of Korea won the majority of the vote, and Syngman Rhee became the very first President of South Korea. Meanwhile, in North Korea, a communist regime was created. With the help of the Soviet Union, Kim Ill-Sung became the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Soon after their creation, North Korea began clashing with South Korea along the 38th parallel border. In 1950, the North Korean army invaded South Korea and captured the capital within three days. The United States sent over troops to help push out the North Korean Army. Meanwhile, the Soviet Union and China began giving aide to North Korea.
After three years, and countless clashes between the two countries, a stalemate was finally reached. Neither country could successfully capture and hold on to the other. On July 27th, 1953, North Korea military commanders signed a ceasefire against South Korea. While South Korea has never formally signed the pact, they have been adhering to its rules. After the stalemate, the two Koreas remain divided at the 38th parallel to this day.
Soon after their creation, North Korea began clashing with South Korea along the 38th parallel border. In 1950, the North Korean army invaded South Korea and captured the capital within three days. The United States sent over troops to help push out the North Korean Army. Meanwhile, the Soviet Union and China began giving aide to North Korea.
After three years, and countless clashes between the two countries, a stalemate was finally reached. Neither country could successfully capture and hold on to the other. On July 27th, 1953, North Korea military commanders signed a ceasefire against South Korea. While South Korea has never formally signed the pact, they have been adhering to its rules. After the stalemate, the two Koreas remain divided at the 38th parallel to this day.