The central conflict of the Vietnam War revolved around the struggle between communist North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and non-communist South Vietnam, backed by the United States and other anti-communist nations. The war was rooted in the broader context of the Cold War, as the U.S. sought to contain the spread of communism in Asia. The conflict resulted in significant military engagement, social upheaval, and widespread protests in the U.S. The war concluded in 1975 with the fall of Saigon, ultimately leading to the reunification of Vietnam under communist control. The aftermath had lasting implications for U.S. foreign policy and domestic politics.