nov attack by chinese forces >> US troops retreated below 38th parallel (needed to protect border, defending territorial integrity)
spring 1951 - UN troops repelled major communist offensive + gained back territory past 38th parallel - final substantial retreat
official ceasefire negotiations July 1951 - both sides agreed maintain 38th parallel as boundary; disagreed on war prisoners - communists: forcibly sent home, US: choice given
CN wanted continue war (prolonged US humiliat°, encouraged by USSR); communists conceded after Stalin’s death, march 1953 + CN cldn't fight w/out SU support - armistice July 27th - new border near 38th parallel S.Korea gained ≈ 4,000 km^2 territory + 4 km wide demilitarized zone
casualties: 3-5 mn (½ korean + 40,000 US)
no permanent treaty signed