After WWII, the US and USSR emerged as superpowers with opposing ideologies - capitalism and communism. The USSR established communist governments in Eastern Europe and drew an "Iron Curtain" across Europe. In response, the US developed a containment policy to resist Soviet expansion and provided economic aid to Western Europe through programs like the Marshall Plan. These actions increased tensions and fears of communism during the early Cold War period.

1. Cold War

3. What was the cost of World War II?

5. THE SPREAD OF COMMUNISM

11. Korea before the War After World War II, Japanese-occupied Korea was temporarily divided into northern and southern parts. The Soviet Union controlled Korea north of the 38 th parallel . The United States would be in charge of Korea south of the 38 th parallel. The Soviet Union established a communist government in North Korea. North Korea called itself the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Its first leader was Kim Il Sung. In South Korea, the United States promoted a democratic system. The Republic of Korea was led by president Syngman Rhee .

17. DMZ

19. View from North Korean side

20. Inside the meeting room View from the South Korean Side The concrete line is the border between the countries.

21. THE KOREAS TODAY