The Vietnamese War, also known as the Vietnam War, was a conflict that took place from 1955 to 1975. It primarily involved North Vietnam, supported by communist allies, and South Vietnam, backed by the United States and other anti-communist nations. The war aimed to stop the spread of communism in Southeast Asia and resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The war ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975, leading to the reunification of Vietnam under communist control. The conflict had lasting effects on Vietnam and the United States, shaping foreign policy and public opinion for years to come.