This title provides a thorough and lucid account of America's involvement in Vietnam during the period 1945-75. It starts with an introduction to the events that led to France's withdraw al from Vietnam and US support of Diem's government and goes on to examine how the conflict escalated and the USA became fully involved. The book also looks at the pressure for peace on the US home front and how this had an impact on the eventual withdraw al and fallout from the war. The role of key figures in the conflict, both American presidents and Vietnamese leaders, is analysed throughout.