What forces and factors led to the division of Korea in 1945, and how have they affected the political development of the two divided states?

What forces and factors led to the division of Korea in 1945, and how have they affected the political development of the two divided states?

Introduction
Korea was a unified country for 13 centuries from the mid-7th century until the year 1945 when it became an early victim of the Cold War and got tragically divided into two countries. The Republic of Korea in the South and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the North have since developed into two very different countries. The greater majority of Koreans wish to re-establish unified Korea and bring an end to the Cold War legacy.

Forces and factors leading to the division

· The struggle for occupation.
Japan's earlier than expected surrender and Truman's domination policy forced the US foreign policy makers to pay attention to Korea where Japan ruled. The US did not wish the Soviets to occupy all of Korea for several reasons and also moved into Korea to secure the area below the 38th Parallel which is n...