Question

When did the Vietnam War start?
A) 1940
B) 1945
C) 1949
D) 1955

Answer 1

Hint: Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. The U.S. failed to achieve a military victory in the war and North Vietnam ultimately took over the Republic of South Vietnam.

Complete answer:
‘The Second Indochina War' is commonly referred to as the ‘Vietnam War'. It took place from 1955-1975. It generally refers to the period when the U.S. and other members of the SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) and the Republic of South Vietnam joined the forces to contest communist forces, composed of South Vietnamese guerrillas and regular-force units, generally referred to as Viet Cong (VC), and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA).

The war was essentially directed from 1965-68 by the U.S. which had the largest foreign military presence. Due to this reason, in Vietnam today it is referred to as the ‘American War'. It directly resulted because of the First Indochina War (1946–1954) between the communist forces then known as Viet Minh, and France, which claimed Vietnam as a colony.

The Vietnam War was the longest in the history of the United States until the Afghanistan War (2002-2014). The war was tremendously alienating in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and elsewhere. Because the U.S. failed to achieve a military victory and North Vietnam ultimately took over the Republic of South Vietnam, the experience of Vietnam became known as “the only war America ever lost.” It remains a very controversial topic and even today it continues to affect political as well as military decisions.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note: In 1973 a “third” Vietnam war was set in motion. Actually, it was a continuation between North and South Vietnam but without significant involvement of the United States. It ended with the victory of the communist in April 1975.