The Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War, the Vietnam Conflict, or "Nam," took place from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975. In Vietnam, it's known as Kháng chiến chống Mỹ, or the Resistance War against America. The Vietnamese government officially calls it the Resistance War against America to Save the Nation, while some refer to it as the American War.
Background: Vietnam had been under French control since the mid-19th century as part of French Indochina. Vietnamese nationalism was suppressed, leading revolutionary groups to operate abroad. Nguyen Sinh Cung founded the Indochinese Communist Party in 1930, aiming to overthrow French rule and establish an independent communist state.
Japanese Occupation: In September 1940, Japan invaded French Indochina. Ho Chi Minh established the Viet Minh in 1941, an anti-Japanese resistance movement that advocated for independence. The Viet Minh received aid from the Allies, including the US, Soviet Union, and Republic of China. The US Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) provided the Viet Minh with weapons, ammunition, and training.
Post-World War II: After Japan's surrender in August 1945, the Viet Minh launched the August Revolution, seizing weapons and declaring independence on September 2, 1945. However, French forces overthrew the DRV and reinstated French rule, ending American support for the Viet Minh.
Conflict: The war was between North Vietnam and its allies in South Vietnam, the Viet Cong, against the government of South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. North Vietnam aimed to unify the country under a communist regime, while South Vietnam fought to remain aligned with the West. The U.S. escalated its involvement, sending military advisors in the 1950s and active combat units in 1965. By 1969, over 500,000 U.S. military personnel were stationed in Vietnam. The Soviet Union and China supported North Vietnam.
Tet Offensive: In late 1967, the PAVN (People's Army of Vietnam) initiated the Tet Offensive, attacking over 100 cities, including military installations and government buildings. The offensive caught U.S. and South Vietnamese forces off guard and was an intelligence failure. The U.S. and South Vietnamese forces recaptured most cities, except for Hue, which PAVN/VC troops held for 26 days, executing civilians. The Tet Offensive had a significant impact on public opinion in the United States, turning many against the war.
Human Cost and Aftermath: The Vietnam War had a devastating human cost, with estimates of Vietnamese soldiers and civilians killed ranging from 970,000 to 3 million. Additionally, 275,000–310,000 Cambodians, 20,000–62,000 Laotians, and 58,220 U.S. service members died. The war led to the Indochina refugee crisis and caused environmental damage, including the destruction of jungles and mangrove forests by herbicides. The war also contributed to a crisis of confidence in America during the 1970s.
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