For many Americans, it is common knowledge that they know about the Vietnam War; however, for some Americans the Vietnam War is ancient history, dishonorable, but nevertheless irrelevant. If people don't physically see the many horrors of war it's easy to forget them; although perhaps it is something we try to forget. However, there are some who may be able to forget, there will be others, such as politicians, who will not forget. The Vietnam War had a terrible impact on both the United States and Vietnam, and more importantly, it would influence foreign policy for many years to come. What the reasons were for starting the Vietnam War is highly debatable, but for the most part the reason was to stop the spread of communism. Communism was on the rise and it was believed that the “domino effect” was occurring. This domino effect means exactly as it says, if one country leaves, the rest will continue to fall towards communism. At first the United States had very limited involvement and mainly aided the French in their efforts to fight Ho Chi Minh and his Viet Minh regime. But ultimately the United States would remain steadfast in supporting South Vietnam. This would end up having a very high cost to the United States, not only in terms of soldiers, but also in the impact it would have on its population. The Gulf of Tonkin Incident greatly increased American involvement in Vietnam. In August 1964, Viet Cong patrol boats attacked the destroyer USS Maddox, which in turn gave President Johnson authorization to “take all necessary measures” to break up Communist aggression. Johnson ordered a retaliatory bombing of North Vietnam. This led to the Vietcong attacking American installations in South Vietnam. In response to the Vietcong attacks, President Joh...... middle of paper ......m conflict still persisted for the Vietnamese and American people. But a new phase has begun, characterized by hope, new friendships and cultural and political exchanges unprecedented in the history of two nations once at war. Our Vietnam, the war no one won, the deadliest war, helps provide the justification for this ongoing effort at reconciliation. Works Cited Karnow, Stanley. Vietnam: A History. New York: Penguin, 1991. Print.Miranda, Richard C. “Vietnam.” Personal interview. December 4, 2011.Thomas, Gary. "Military News - News from Veterans: Vietnam War Torments American Politics and Society." Free people search, military locator, military meetings, GI Bill benefits, military news, veteran benefits at military connections. Network. 04 December 2011.Vietnam War. December 4th. 2011. .