The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a long war in the country of Vietnam. It lasted from 1955 to 1975. North Vietnam was communist and wanted to take over South Vietnam. The United States helped South Vietnam. The war was very hard, and many people lost their lives.

The War

American soldiers fought in thick jungles in Vietnam. The weather was hot, and fighting was difficult. The United States sent over 500,000 soldiers to help. People back home watched the war on TV for the first time in history. This changed how people saw war.

Soldiers ride helicopters into the jungle during the Vietnam War.
Soldiers ride helicopters into the jungle during the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force (Operation Holly 1970 (Folder 13 of 15), sheet 182) / Wikimedia Commons)

Protests and the End

Many Americans did not agree with the Vietnam War. People held big protests in the streets. In 1973, the United States pulled its soldiers out. North Vietnam won the war in 1975. Vietnam became one country under a communist government.

Fun Facts

  • The Vietnam War was the first war Americans watched on TV from their homes.
  • The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., lists over 58,000 American names.
  • A famous helicopter called the Huey became a symbol of the war.

Did You Know?

Today, Vietnam and the United States are friends, and many people visit Vietnam as tourists.