Vietnam War: A Cold War Era Conflict

The Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Overview

The Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War and the Resistance War Against America (or simply the American War in Vietnam), was a protracted conflict spanning from November 1, 1955, to the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. The war involved Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Officially, the war was fought between North Vietnam (supported by the Soviet Union, China, and other communist allies) and South Vietnam (backed by the United States, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Thailand, and other anti-communist allies). Often considered a Cold War-era proxy war, the conflict lasted 19 years, with direct U.S. involvement concluding in 1973. The war resulted in the communist takeover of all three countries in 1975, encompassing the Laotian Civil War and the Cambodian Civil War.

Operation Rolling Thunder (1965-1968)

Operation Rolling Thunder was a sustained aerial bombardment campaign led by the United States against North Vietnam. Conducted from March 2, 1965, to November 2, 1968, it involved the U.S. 2nd Air Division (later Seventh Air Force), U.S. Navy, and Republic of Vietnam Air Force (VNAF).

The operation's objectives were to bolster the Saigon regime's morale, pressure North Vietnam to end its support for the communist insurgency in South Vietnam, cripple North Vietnam's infrastructure, and stem the flow of resources into South Vietnam. These goals were complicated by Cold War constraints on the U.S. and its allies, as well as military aid provided to North Vietnam by its communist allies (the Soviet Union, China, and North Korea).

Key Facts

Dates

1955-1975

Location

• South Vietnam
• North Vietnam
• Cambodia
• Laos

Result

North Vietnamese victory

Troop Strength (Approximate)

• South Vietnam: 850,000
• United States: 540,000
• South Korea: 50,000
• Other Allies: 80,000