The military conflict that took place from 1950 to 1953 on the Korean Peninsula is known as the Korean War. It began when North Korea invaded South Korea, prompting a response from United Nations forces, primarily led by the United States. The war ended with an armistice but not a formal peace treaty, resulting in the continued division of Korea along the 38th parallel. The conflict was significant during the Cold War, showcasing the tensions between communist and capitalist ideologies and leading to a prolonged military presence in the region.