The Battle of Pyongyang ended in a U.S.-led United Nations victory on this day in 1950. Hours later, the Chinese Army began crossing the border into Korea.
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What was the battle of Pyongyang?
The Battle of Pyongyang was a significant military engagement during the Korean War. It took place from October 14 to October 19, 1950, when United Nations (UN) forces, led by General Douglas MacArthur’s United Nations Command (UNC), captured the North Korean capital city of Pyongyang.
Why was the battle of Pyongyang significant in the context of the Korean War?
The Battle of Pyongyang was a crucial turning point in the early stages of the Korean War. It marked the first significant advance of UN forces into North Korea and provided a boost in morale for the UN coalition. It also raised hopes for a quick end to the conflict. Following the Battle of Pyongyang, UN forces continued their advance into North Korea, pursuing North Korean troops and capturing territory. The UN forces sought to reunify the Korean Peninsula under South Korean control.
When did the Chinese Army enter the Korean War?
Hours after the Battle of Pyongyang, on the night of October 19, 1950, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) entered the Korean War by crossing the border into North Korea. They intervened to support North Korean forces, primarily to prevent the UN forces from reaching the Yalu River, which forms the border between North Korea and China. The Chinese feared a UN presence along the border.