The Second Indochina War, commonly known as the Vietnam War, took place from the late 1950s to 1975. It involved the communist government of North Vietnam, supported by its allies like the Soviet Union and China, fighting against the government of South Vietnam, which was backed by the United States and other anti-communist nations. The war was marked by intense guerrilla warfare and significant civilian casualties. The conflict aimed to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, leading to widespread protests and debates in the U.S. and around the world. Ultimately, the war ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975, resulting in the reunification of Vietnam under communist control.