The Vietnam War officially ended on April 30, 1975, when North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. This event marked the conclusion of a protracted conflict that spanned over a decade for the United States and involved significant international and domestic consequences. The fall of Saigon led to the reunification of Vietnam under communist control and had lasting impacts on U.S. foreign policy, military strategy, and public perception of the military involvement. It also resulted in widespread refugee movements and significant changes within Vietnam itself.