The Korean War was primarily caused by the ideological divide between communism and capitalism. After World War II, Korea was divided into North Korea, under the influence of the Soviet Union and communism, and South Korea, supported by the United States and capitalism. Tensions arose between the two Koreas, which had different political systems and desired reunification under their respective ideologies. The war was further triggered by North Korea's invasion of South Korea in 1950, seeking to reunify the country under communism. This led to the direct military intervention of the United States and other nations in support of South Korea, resulting in a three-year conflict.

Additionally, the Cold War context played a significant role in exacerbating the situation in Korea. The global rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union heightened the tensions between the two Koreas, as each superpower sought to expand its sphere of influence. The Korean War became a proxy war between the two superpowers, with the United States supporting South Korea and the Soviet Union backing North Korea.

The Korean War also had economic factors contributing to its outbreak. Both Koreas were struggling with economic hardships in the aftermath of World War II, and the desire for reunification and economic stability played a role in driving the conflict. North Korea's invasion of South Korea was partially motivated by economic factors, as the North sought to take control of the South's industrial infrastructure.

Overall, the Korean War was a complex conflict that was fueled by a combination of ideological, political, and economic factors. The legacy of the war continues to shape the Korean Peninsula to this day, with North and South Korea still divided by ideological differences and ongoing tensions.