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#OTD20 | September 29, 1950

A Line Regained: The Day U.S.-led Troops Reach the 38th Parallel

September 29, 1950: United States-led troops reach the 38th parallel in Korea, marking a pivotal moment in the Korean War.

After liberating the South Korean capital city, United States-led troops march north. By the end of September they reach the 38th parallel, the dividing line between North and South Korea.

Initially established as a temporary division after World War II, the 38th parallel is a symbol of Cold War divisions and ideological struggle. Pushing the invading enemy back north of the line represents a significant tactical gain and a morale booster for anti-communist forces.

Reaching the 38th parallel has a complex mix of implications. On the one hand, it buoys hopes for a swift end to the war. On the other hand, passing the threshold holds the potential for a significant escalation in the conflict.

The event leaves an indelible imprint on the geopolitics of the Korean Peninsula and remains a focal point in discussions about the still-ongoing tensions between North and South Korea.

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Additional Resources

Access more information from Media Rich Learning and curated off-site sources.

U.S. Army Center for Military History

Read a detailed account of the U.S.-led invasion of North Korea.

National Endowment for the Humanities

Read "Korea and the Thirty-Eighth Parallel" on the NEH website.

George C. Marshall Foundation

Read "Marshall, MacArthur, and the 38th Parallel" on the website of the George C. Marshall Foundation.

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