Vietnam war
Definition
A prolonged conflict (1955–1975) in which the United States supported South Vietnam against communist North Vietnam and the Viet Cong guerrillas. The war deeply divided American society, led to massive casualties on all sides, and ended with the fall of Saigon and reunification of Vietnam under communist rule.
Examples
- The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964) gave President Johnson broad authority to escalate U.S. involvement
- Anti-war protests at Kent State University in 1970 resulted in the National Guard killing four students
- The Tet Offensive of 1968 turned American public opinion against the war
Key Fact
The U.S. withdrew combat forces in 1973; Saigon fell to North Vietnam on April 30, 1975.
Study This Concept
Practice Vietnam War with free review games in these units: