Why the Korean War Is Called “The Forgotten War”
While World War II and the Vietnam War dominate American history books, the Korean War (1950–1953) is often overshadowed — earning it the nickname “The Forgotten War.”
Over 36,000 American soldiers died in Korea, yet the war didn’t receive the same attention at home. One reason is its timing. Coming just five years after WWII, the public was weary of global conflict. And unlike Vietnam, there were no massive protests or widespread media coverage. Television news was still in its infancy.
The war ended in a stalemate, with the Korean Peninsula divided at the 38th parallel — just as it was before the war. That lack of a decisive outcome also played a role in its relative obscurity.
But for veterans and historians, Korea remains anything but forgotten. It was a crucial early chapter in the Cold War, setting the tone for U.S.–Soviet tensions for decades to come.
