The United States officially withdrew its troops from Vietnam in 1973, marking the end of a significant military involvement that had escalated since the early 1960s. This withdrawal was formalized through the Paris Peace Accords, which aimed to establish peace in Vietnam and allow for the withdrawal of American forces. The U.S. had been heavily engaged in the Vietnam War, which sought to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. However, growing anti-war sentiments and controversies surrounding the conflict led to increasing calls for troop withdrawal. The agreements facilitated a transition to a political settlement in Vietnam, although the conflict continued for several more years.