Skip to content
Know.itKnow.it
Create an animated lesson
On request

This article is free to read. Creating a lesson uses your daily or stored credits; review the language and settings before starting.

What was the Vietnam War?

HistoryLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

The Vietnam War (1955–1975) was a long, brutal conflict in which communist North Vietnam, backed by the USSR and China, fought South Vietnam and the United States. It ended with a communist victory and became a defining, controversial Cold War conflict.

Key things to understand

  1. It ran from 1955 to 1975, a key Cold War conflict.
  2. Communist North fought the US-backed South.
  3. It was costly, divisive, and widely protested.
  4. It ended with North Vietnam's victory and reunification.

People also ask

What was the Vietnam War?
A Cold War conflict where communist North Vietnam fought South Vietnam and the US, ending in 1975.
Why did the US get involved in Vietnam?
To stop the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, under the 'domino theory'.
Who won the Vietnam War?
North Vietnam, which reunified the country under communist rule in 1975.