The Vietnam War, also known as the second Indochina War, began in 1959 and 1960, and ended with the Communist victories of 1975. An excellent resource that deals with both the military and the political aspects of this controversial war, and with the events--especially those from 1954 onward--that led up to it. Its main focus is on Vietnam and the United States, but Laos, Cambodia, and other countries are also covered. The author highlights the essential elements, presenting significant military and political persons, battles and confrontations, weapons, places and events. The chronology traces the long course of the war and the introduction discusses the issues that have been and still are in dispute among historians. Also contains a bibliography, an index of names, and an index of operations.