Introduction

The Vietnam War (1955–1975) remains one of the most complex and controversial conflicts of the 20th century. Fought between communist North Vietnam and the U.S.-backed South Vietnam, the war was a brutal chapter in the Cold War era, marked by guerrilla warfare, political upheaval, and immense human cost.

More than just a military confrontation, the Vietnam War reshaped global politics, influenced generations of military strategy, and left a lasting legacy on American and Vietnamese societies.

Historical Background and Causes

Vietnam was under French colonial rule until the First Indochina War (1946–1954), which ended with the Geneva Accords and the division of Vietnam. The U.S. feared communist expansion and supported South Vietnam under the Domino Theory. Tensions escalated as the Viet Cong launched guerrilla attacks in the South.

• North Vietnam: Communist, led by Ho Chi Minh
• South Vietnam: U.S.-backed, anti-communist regime

The Course of the War

Phase 1: Advisory and Escalation (1955–1964)

U.S. military advisors supported South Vietnam. Political instability followed the assassination of President Diem. The Gulf of Tonkin Incident led to full U.S. military involvement.

Phase 2: Full-Scale War (1965–1968)

Operation Rolling Thunder and the deployment of over 500,000 U.S. troops marked the escalation. The Tet Offensive in 1968 shocked the American public and shifted opinion against the war.

Phase 3: Vietnamization and Withdrawal (1969–1975)

Nixon’s Vietnamization policy aimed to reduce U.S. involvement. The Paris Peace Accords (1973) led to troop withdrawal. In 1975, Saigon fell to North Vietnamese forces.

Ground Combat Vehicles and Weapons Used by Both Sides

U.S. and South Vietnamese Forces

• M113 Armored Personnel Carrier: Amphibious troop transport with machine gun mount.
• 🛒 Buy – M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier 
• M48 Patton Tank: Main battle tank with 90mm gun. 🛒 Buy – M48A3 Patton Tank – U.S. Army Vietnam War
• M16 Rifle: Lightweight, high-rate-of-fire infantry weapon.
• M60 Machine Gun: Suppressive fire support. 
• Claymore Mines: Directional anti-personnel mines.

North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong

• AK-47 Assault Rifle: Durable and reliable, ideal for jungle warfare. 
• RPG-7 Rocket Launcher: Anti-tank weapon effective against U.S. armor. 
• BTR-40/BTR-60: Soviet-supplied armored personnel carriers.
• Guerrilla Tools: Punji traps, tunnels, and improvised explosives.

Conclusion

The Vietnam War claimed over 3 million lives and reshaped global military and political landscapes. It exposed the limits of conventional warfare and highlighted the role of public opinion and media in modern conflicts. Vietnam was reunified under communist rule, while the U.S. reevaluated its foreign policy and military strategies.

Suggested add-ons for your Vietnam War diorama build: