This historical dictionary is designed to provide a ready reference tool for students and scholars alike. Its major focus is the 30 years between 1945 and 1975; critically important individuals and events from earlier years are also discussed. The book includes brief descriptive essays on most of the people, legislation, military oeprations, and controversies important to an understanding of the American participation in the Vietnam War. References at the end of each entry provide guidance to sources of additional information. Five appendixes complete the study, each focusing on a topic of major relevance in understanding the subject, such as a description of the population of South Vietnam, the minority groups of South Vietnam, a glossary of slang expressions and acronyms, a selected bibliography of the Vietnam War and a chronology.