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