History
What is The Vietnam War?
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.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains the vietnam war.
Key things to understand
- 1It ran from 1955 to 1975, a key Cold War conflict.
- 2Communist North fought the US-backed South.
- 3It was costly, divisive, and widely protested.
- 4It ended with North Vietnam's victory and reunification.
Frequently asked questions
- 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.