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Vietnam's Independence
Viet Minh seizes power. Ho Chi Minh announces Vietnam's independence. -
French Proposal
Ho Chi Minh rejects the French proposal to grant Vietnam a limited self-government. The Viet Minh begins a guerrilla war against the French. -
Truman Doctrine
President Harry Truman states that the United States' policy is to assist any country whose stability is threatened by communism. -
Kazakhstan
The Soviet Union drops their first atomic bomb over Kazakhstan. This event marked a turning point with the United States. -
Communist Threat
The United States viewed the Viet Minh as a communist threat, causing them to step up military assistance to France. -
Aid to Vietnam
China and the Soviet Union begin to supply economic and military aid to Vietnam. Viet Minh then set up their offensive against French outposts. -
French Defeat
Viet Minh forces defeat the French troops at Dien Bien Phu. This marks the end of the French rule in Indochina. -
Geneva Accords
The Geneva Accords had divided Vietnam in North and South halves at the 17th parallel. -
Support to Diem and South Vietnam
While the Cold War intensifies, the United States hardened their policies.President Dwight Eisenhower pledged to support Diem and South Vietnam. -
Ngo Dinh Diem
Becomes new president of the government of the Republic of Vietnam. -
The Viet Cong
With training and equipment supplied by the U.S military, Diem's security forces cracked down on Viet Minh supporters. Thousands of people were arrested and tortured. -
Viet Cong
The Viet Cong and opponents of Diem begin to fight back against government officials. They had begun a program of terrorism