Vietnam War

A few facts:

- 1945: Vietnam, a French colony since the end of the 19th century, declares its independence.

- 1954: France, which has fought to maintain colonial rule, is defeated - Vietnam divides into two, North Vietnam being communist.

- 1963-1975: increasing number of US troops deployed to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam.

- April 1975: North Vietnamese troops enter Saigon (South Vietnam) and oust American troops.

The Vietnam war is the longest the US have ever fought and one that indelibly marks American consciousness.

Number of US soldiers: 8,744,000 - US casulaties: 58,200 - Vietnamese casualties: 2,000,000