Vietnam war: The Vietnam War was waged from 1954

The Vietnam War was waged from 1954 to 1975. Find out more about the major events, places, and people involved in this great conflict. The People's Army of Vietnam (also known as the North Vietnamese Army) engaged in a more conventional war by at times putting large forces to battle. The Vietnam War was very controversial, especially in the United States. It was the first war to feature live television coverage and the first major armed conflict that the United States lost. Why the Vietnam War dragged on for decades This costly conflict spanned generations—and its brutal legacy endures. But why did the bloodshed go on for so long?