Laotian Civil War

The Laotian Civil War (1959–1975) was a conflict in Laos between royalist forces supporting the monarchy and communist insurgents led by the Pathet Lao, backed by North Vietnam and the Soviet Union. It was part of the broader Cold War struggle, with the U.S. supporting anti-communist government forces to prevent spread of communism. The war involved guerrilla warfare, heavy bombings, and significant civilian suffering. It concluded with the communist Pathet Lao taking control in 1975, establishing the Lao People's Democratic Republic, ending the monarchy, and significantly shaping modern Laos.