The Vietnam War began in 1955 and ended in 1975. President Richard Nixon (as well as other presidents) had much to do with this event in history. North and South Vietnam had their own opinions about communism, which led to conflict and the United States decided to help. We decided to help the southern part of Vietnam because the two of us had similar thoughts on government. Over the long time span of the Vietnam War, many things happened, but one thing in particular caused the deaths of four young students. It was Nixon's decision on invading Cambodia which caused huge protests that got out of hand, and led to the deaths. That event is now known as the Kent State Shootings. The Vietnam War was eventually lost by the United States which is the reason why today, Vietnam is a communist state.