The major conflict fought between North and South Vietnam from the late 1950s to 1975 is known as the Vietnam War. This conflict was marked by the struggle of communist North Vietnam, supported by allies such as the Soviet Union and China, against the anti-communist South Vietnam, backed primarily by the United States. The war was characterized by guerrilla tactics, significant civilian casualties, and widespread protests, particularly in the U.S. The conflict had profound effects, leading to the eventual fall of Saigon in 1975, unification of Vietnam under communist rule, and lasting impacts on American foreign policy and public perception of war.