What Was the Vietnam War Called?

The Vietnam War was a long and brutal conflict that lasted from 1955 to 1975. During this time, the United States military engaged in an aggressive program of chemical warfare, known as Operation Ranch Hand, to disrupt the enemy's supply lines and destroy their food sources.

One of the most notorious chemicals used during the war was Agent Orange, a herbicide that contained high levels of dioxin. This toxic substance caused plants to defoliate, or lose their leaves, and has since been linked to numerous health problems, including birth defects and cancer.

The use of Agent Orange was not the only aspect of Operation Ranch Hand. The U.S. military also sprayed a range of herbicides across more than 4.5 million acres of Vietnam, destroying vast swaths of forest cover and food crops used by enemy North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops.

The impact of these actions on the Vietnamese people was devastating. Crops and water sources used by non-combatant native populations were also hit, causing widespread famine and displacement. The use of herbicides from trucks, hand-sprayers, and aircraft further exacerbated the problem, leaving behind a legacy of environmental damage that continues to this day.

Despite the significant harm caused by Operation Ranch Hand, the U.S. military continued to use these chemicals throughout the war, spraying more than 20 million gallons of herbicides in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia between 1961 and 1971.

In retrospect, the Vietnam War was a complex and multifaceted conflict that had far-reaching consequences for both the United States and Vietnam. While it is impossible to undo the harm caused by Operation Ranch Hand, we can learn from our past mistakes and work towards creating a more peaceful and sustainable future.

What was vietnam war called