The Vietnam War was a conflict that took place from the late 1950s to 1975, primarily between the communist government of North Vietnam and the non-communist government of South Vietnam. The war escalated when the United States, fearing the spread of communism, began to support South Vietnam with military aid and troops. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. It ended with the fall of Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, in 1975, leading to the reunification of Vietnam under communist control. The war had lasting effects on both Vietnam and the United States.