Veitnam+War

​ __The Vietnam War__ By: Cody Warlick

**__Brief History__** The Vietnam War, a.k.a the 2nd Indochina war, was a conflict between the communist forces of North Vietnam, and democratic South Vietnam. It lasted from 1959 to 1975 and was one of the bloodiest battles in U.S history. The North was led primarily by Ho Chi Minh, while the South was led by General Nguyen Cao Ky.


 * 1) The Early Years
 * 2) The First Attack
 * 3) The Ho Chi Minh Trail
 * 4) Last Days
 * 5) Other Facts and Info

1: **__The Early Years__** The Vietnam War itself began as a civil war between the communist North Vietnamese and the Democratic South. After the French occupation in Vietnam ended, there was confusion between the people in the country. With the rise of communism all around them, many in the north were convinced that it was the best government. However, others in the south wished for a democratic government. This caused a conflict where insurgents known as the Vietcong ,were sent into South Vietnam to preform raids on several miltary bases. This eventually led to the Vietnam war as we know it, in which the North was assisted by China, and the south by the U.S.



2: **__The First Attack__** On August 4th 1964, the Gulf of Tonkin incident occured. During its routine patrol, the U.S.S Maddox was fired upon by a North Vietnamese patrol boat. At this point, the war was unavoidable, and an act of retaliation was sent from president Lyndon B Johnson himself. Following this event, air raids on two North Vietnamese naval bases occured. This resulted in two U.S planes were lost. Also, an oil supply depot was obliterated in the raids.

For a video that gives more info click here: []

3: **__The Ho Chi Minh Trail__** Named for communist president Ho Chi Minh of North Vietnam, this supply route is famous for its use by the North Vietnamese.It is made up of many seperate truck, bike, and hiking paths through miles of jungle. At first, it was used by Vietcong insurgents who used guerilla tactics against South Vietnamese troops and bases. Later, it was used continuously to transport weapons and other supplies to the North Vietnamese army.



For more details click here: [|p://www.activetravelvietnam.com/culture_customs/hochiminh_trails.html]

4: **__Last Days__** From 1970 to 1975, the final days of the Vietnam war occured. During this time, many important events happened. Namely, the Fall of Saigon which marked the bitter end to a hard fought war that cost the lives of thousand of soldiers. As troops began to withdraw on orders from president Nixon, the North Vietnamese closed in on Saigon. Then, on the morning of April 30th, 1975, Saigon was overthrown by the Vietminh. Many refugees fled the country and some even tried to leave with the troops. After the wars end, Vietnam was united under communist rule.



Click here for [|Saigon Foootage]

5: **__Other Facts and Info__**


 * 1: 11,465 U.S troops were less than 20 years old.
 * 2: 8 nurses died in the war,1 was killed in action.
 * 3: Number of married men killed: 17,539

First part of a five piece documentary:[|Vietnam Documentary]


 * __Works Cited__**

[] First viewed Dec. 4th 2009 [] First viewed Nov. 30th 2009 [] First viewed Nov. 25th 2009