During the Vietnam War, Hanoi was the capital city of North Vietnam and served as the political, cultural, and military center for the communist government led by Ho Chi Minh. It was a key target for U.S. bombing campaigns, particularly during Operation Rolling Thunder from 1965 to 1968, as the U.S. aimed to disrupt North Vietnamese supply lines and weaken their ability to support the Viet Cong in South Vietnam. Despite the extensive bombing, Hanoi remained a symbol of resistance and resilience for the North Vietnamese.