What are the key events and outcomes of the Vietnam War?

The Vietnam War was a conflict that took place from 1955 to 1975. The war was fought between North Vietnam, which was supported by the Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, which was supported by the United States and other anti-communist allies. The key events and outcomes of the Vietnam War are as follows:

• 1945-1954: First Indochina War - France tried to reestablish its colonial rule in Vietnam, but was defeated by the Viet Minh communist nationalist movement. This led to the division of Vietnam into North and South.
• 1955-1963: Escalation - The U.S. provided economic aid to South Vietnam and sent military advisors to train its soldiers. Meanwhile, North Vietnam began providing military aid and support to the Viet Cong insurgency in the South.
• 1964-1973: American Involvement and Escalation - The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution authorized the U.S. to intervene in Vietnam, leading to a significant increase in American troop levels. The U.S. employed various tactics such as search-and-destroy missions and bombing campaigns, while North Vietnam and the Viet Cong used guerrilla tactics.
• 1973-1975: Withdrawal and Fall of Saigon - The Paris Peace Accords were signed, leading to the withdrawal of American troops. However, fighting between North and South Vietnam resumed, and in 1975, North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, effectively ending the war.

The Vietnam War was a controversial conflict that had significant political, social, and cultural impacts. The war led to the deaths of millions of Vietnamese and thousands of Americans, and also caused significant damage to the environment. In the U.S., the war was a divisive issue, leading to protests and social unrest.