The Korean Conflict started June 25, 1950 and ended July 27, 1953. It began as a civil war between North and South Korea. Though officially called a police action, rather than a war, by the United States. The United Nations also sent in troops. The conflict was essentially a stalemate, fought across the 38th parallel in an attempt to contain communism. This was the first armed conflict of the Cold War. Total American casualties were 141,000.