Officially originating in 1941 when a Vietminh guerrilla force was formed under Ho Chi Minh and ending in May 1975 with the fall of Saigon, the Vietnam War took a heavy toll on American troops and greatly affected the political atmosphere of the late 60s and early 70s. "Vietnam War: Almanac" highlights the major events leading up to and during America's involvement in the war that created great political tensions on the home front: Vietnam and French Colonialism Vietnam and the Cold War Early American Involvement in Vietnam The Fall of Diem The War at Home Vietnam's Lasting Impact on America And other topics relating to American involvement

Also included are sidebars, photographs, maps, timelines, "Words to Know" section, and an index.