The Korean War is often hailed as an example of a swift, decisive military intervention. After North Korea invaded South Korea, the UN launched a counteroffensive that pushed the Communists out of the South. Once the UN's mission was accomplished, President Harry Truman ordered his forces to stop at the 38th parallel and a ceasefire was negotiated. While some on the right criticized the UN for not continuing its advance into North Korea, many historians argue that Truman's decision prevented Chinese intervention and brought the war to a satisfying conclusion.
But what if Truman had decided to allow his troops to continue north of the 38th parallel? Would China have intervened? If so, would the UN still have won the Korean War?