Vietnam War Overview

The Vietnam War resulted in tremendous losses on both sides, the casualties were severe.  On the American side about 58,000 American soldiers were killed and 2,500 MIA along with the Americans were 185,000 South Vietnamese casualties.  North Vietnam lost the greatest number of about 1,000,000 dead. Yet the worst of all were the civilian casualties, 500,000 civilians were killed leaving around 1,000,000 children orphaned.  As a result of the American’s withdrawing in South Vietnam their capitol, Saigon, was taken over and Vietnam was united under a Communist-Dictatorship.  As the domino theory had predicted all of Indochina fell to communism, which is a grave loss for America.  Fortunately as a result of the war the War Powers Act was made. This act prevents undeclared wars by forcing congress to pass approval before the president can be allowed to send troops into an armed struggle. Now the Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands to honor those who lost their lives fighting for their country in the Vietnam war.