Pathet Lao was a communist political movement and military organization in Laos that emerged during the 1950s. It aimed to establish a communist government and was closely aligned with North Vietnam and the Soviet Union. The movement gained support from the local population, especially in rural areas, and played a significant role in the Laotian Civil War. In 1975, after years of conflict, Pathet Lao successfully took control of the country, leading to the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. This marked the end of the monarchy and the beginning of a one-party state, significantly changing the political landscape of Laos.