15. Vietnam and wars of reunification
Individuals & institutions
Ho Chi Minh, Ngo Dinh Diem, United States, Vietnam
Events & dates
Vietnam declared independence in 1945, fought France until 1954, then remained divided. American combat involvement expanded in the 1960s; Saigon fell in April 1975.
Consequences & historical significance
War killed vast numbers of civilians and combatants, displaced populations and left lasting environmental and social damage.