The Vietnam War (1955–1975) was a long and deadly conflict between North Vietnam and its communist allies and South Vietnam and its U.S.-backed partners. It became one of the most important Cold War wars and reshaped modern U.S. military history.

The United States increased its role in the 1960s to stop communist expansion in Southeast Asia. U.S. forces fought major battles across jungles, cities, and rural villages. Airpower and ground operations drove much of the fighting.

North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon in April 1975, ending the war and unifying Vietnam under communist control. The Vietnam War left a lasting impact on global politics, military strategy, and American society.