The rationale for U.S. involvement in both conflicts was similar. Both occurred at the height of the Cold War. U.S. policymakers believed that containment of Communism was essential. Therefore, it was necessary for the U.S. to commit resource and manpower to stop the influenced of communism. In Korea, the U.S. intervention led to the creation of North and South Korea. In Vietnam, the conflict led to a U.S. defeat and the unification of the country.