The Vietnam War began as an effort by the US to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia under the "domino theory." While North Vietnam sought reunification under communist rule, the US backed South Vietnam. Major events of the war included the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution which escalated US involvement, the Tet Offensive which turned US public opinion against the war, and the My Lai Massacre which further damaged the US reputation. Over 58,000 US soldiers and 1-2 million Vietnamese died in the long and divisive conflict before US withdrawal in 1973.

1. The Vietnam War By Andrew Salib