The document discusses the political changes in Vietnam during the Vietnam War era. It describes how Vietnam gained independence from France in 1954 but was then divided into communist North Vietnam and non-communist South Vietnam, which was supported by the US. The US became involved to prevent the spread of communism. Growing opposition to the war in the US led President Nixon to start withdrawing troops in 1969. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 curtailed the President's ability to commit troops without Congressional approval.