The term "North Vietnamese" refers to the people living in the northern part of Vietnam during the Vietnam War, particularly from 1954 to 1975. This region was governed by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, led by Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party. The North Vietnamese aimed to reunify the country under a communist government. North Vietnam was supported by various countries, including the Soviet Union and China, while fighting against the Republic of Vietnam in the south, which was backed by the United States and other allies. The conflict was marked by significant military engagements and political struggles, ultimately leading to the reunification of Vietnam in 1976.