This work charts the history of Vietnam from the outbreak of World War II through to the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. The author examines the Vietnamese struggle against the Japanese during World War II and subsequently against the French. Particular coverage is given to how the American involvement in Vietnam culminated in the Vietnam War. It also focuses on the War from the perspective of the North Vietnamese population, both in terms of combat and the devastating consequences of battle. The narrative tackles the major issues surrounding this turbulent period of Vietnam's history. What was it like for Americans to fight in Vietnam? How was the War opposed in the US? Why did the States lose the War? As well as providing a range of pictorial and written source material, this work includes extended writing activities and structured exercises which encourage the examination of different historical interpretations.