The main adversaries in the Vietnam War were the United States and the communist forces of North Vietnam, along with the Viet Cong. The conflict began in the late 1950s and escalated in the 1960s, with the U.S. supporting the anti-communist government of South Vietnam in an effort to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. North Vietnam sought to unify the country under a communist government, employing guerilla tactics and widespread support from the local population. The war was marked by significant military involvement from the U.S., resulting in deep social and political divisions in America, as well as devastating consequences for Vietnam and its people.