The Vietnam War began as a conflict between France and Vietnam in the 1940s-1950s. After France withdrew in 1954, Vietnam was divided along the 17th parallel, with a communist government in the north and a non-communist government in the south. The U.S. became increasingly involved through the 1960s to prevent the spread of communism. Major events escalating U.S. involvement included the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution of 1964 and the Tet Offensive of 1968. Though unpopular domestically, the war continued until the Paris Peace Accords in 1973 ended direct U.S. military involvement.