Resources Vietnam War

Vietnam War

Learn more about the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict which occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It is sometimes referred to as the Second Indochina War. In Vietnam it is often referred to as the American War. It was fought between the communist Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) and its allies, and the US-backed Republic of Vietnam in the south. It ended with the defeat of South Vietnam in April 1975.

The Vietnam War was the longest and most unpopular conflict of the century for both Australia and New Zealand. The war was the cause of the greatest social and political dissent in Australia since the conscription referendums of the First World War. Many draft resisters, conscientious objectors, and protesters were fined or jailed, while some soldiers met a hostile reception on their return home.

Photo at right shows South Vietnamese soldiers take a break following heavy fighting in the Tan Son Nhut area near Saigon airport.

Did you know?

• The Vietnam War is one of the longest military engagements in recent history. The conflict raged on for nearly 20 years, November 1, 1955 to the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975
• About 7,500 women served in the Vietnam war
• There were approximately over 3 million killed in the Vietnam war and more than half were civilians
• Five men that were killed were only 16 years old!
• The oldest man killed was 62 years old!
• 91% of Vietnam vets were glad that they served
• 74% of the vets would serve again knowing the outcome
• Congress never declared war against Vietnam, so it should be called the Vietnam conflict, which it commonly is
• The U.S. didn't lose the war but withdrew before they lost
• The average fighter was only 22 years old!
• 66% of the soldiers were drafted
• During the Vietnam War the national debt increased by $146 billion (1967-1973). Adjusted for inflation, the debt in 1992 dollars was $500 billion
• April 30 is celebrated as Reunification Day or Victory Day in Vietnam

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Sources
Australian War Memorial
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