Vietnam War Summary
Written by Tim Nash
History of War - Vietnam War
In a Summary of Vietnam war between communist North Vietnam and capitalist South Vietnam which commenced in 1964 and concluded in 1975. It was fought in southern Vietnam and bordering areas of Cambodia, Laos and in the bombing of North Vietnam. The capitalist South Vietnam forces were assisted by troops from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. At the height of the war in 1969 this force comprised 800,000+ troops.
The communist North Vietnamese forces were assisted by the USSR in providing non combatant military aid and also the national liberation front a communist lead South Vietnamese gorilla’s. Although not as well equipped they were large in number.
This conflict is know as the second Indochina war and was part of a larger conflict involving the neighboring countries of Cambodia and Laos, the Vietnamese know this conflict as the American war ” (Vietnamese Chiến Tranh Chống Mỹ Cứu Nước, which translates into English as "War Against the Americans and to Save the Nation")”
The first Indochina war was fought in the 1950’s between the French government and Ho Chi Minh communist army. This first war was the direct successor leading to the second Indochina war; the Vietnamese people felt that the colonial powers were trying to control their country which they had done for century’s. The French government relinquished their control of Vietnam Cambodia and Laos in 1954.
American, Australian and New Zealand military advisers were sent to the region in the late 50’s and early 60’s to assist the capitalist south Vietnamese government in their war against the communist north. But was realized by 1964 that the South Vietnamese government needed help in winning this battle, combat troops entered the region. The conflict reached its peak in 1969 where some 900,000 Us solders were involved in the conflict.
In a Summery of Vietnam war peace negotiations commenced In the early 1970’s between both sides in an attempt to end the conflict and bring stability to the region. In January 1973 suspension of military action by US and coalition troops was ordered by then US president Nixon. At this time US, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korean troops began withdrawing from the region. The Paris peace accord was signed that year officially ending US and allied involvement in the Vietnam conflict. By 1975 no American, Australian, New Zealand, and south Korean were in the region
Peace did not last long however in early 1975 the communist north Vietnamese invaded south Vietnam, without their allies they were overwhelmed, on July 2nd 1976 the socialist republic of Vietnam was born, people supporting the capitalist south Vietnamese were executed and many were in imprisoned. The South Vietnamese capital Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Min city in honor of Ho Chi Minh. The socialist republic of Vietnam is ruled by the communist part to this day, thus concluding our Summary of Vietnam war. Further Reading: Map of Vietnam War, Vietnam War Facts.