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The Vietnam War
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The French is defeated
The French suffers a decisive defeat at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.The image shows Viet Minh troops planting their flag over the captured French headquarters. -
Ngo Dinh Diem elected as the President of Vietnam
South Vietnam declares itself Republic of Vietnam with newly elected Ngo Dinh Diem as president. The image is of Ngo Dinh Diem. -
Ho Chi Minh Land Reforms
Ho Chi Minh, following the communist doctrine, orders sweeping "land reforms" in North Vietnam; thousands of people classified as landowners and wealthy farmers are imprisoned, tortured, or executed. In a mass exodus, many Vietnamese families flee and head to South Vietnam. The image is of Ho Chi Minh, the man who brought Communism to Vietnam, kicked out the French, and liberated the country. -
First American Deaths
Two military advisors are killed by Viet Minh guerrilla soldiers in a raid at Bien Hoa in South Vietnam. These are the first American deaths (non-combat) reported in Vietnam. -
Kennedy Elected as President
Democrat John F. Kennedy defeats Republican candidate Richard M. Nixon to become the 35th president of the United States. -
First US Combat Death
An American serviceman dies in Vietnam, the first combat death reported. For many Americans, the death will mark the beginning of the Vietnam War. -
Diem Overthrown
With U.S. encouragement, South Vietnamese General Duong Van Minh overthrows the Diem regime, and the following day he orders the execution of Diem and his brother. South Vietnam's President Diem is overthrown in a military coup and was killed during the coup, despite assurances that he would not be. The U.S. had hoped that by overthrowing the unpopular Diem, it could strengthen the opposition to the communist Viet Cong. Link text -
Kennedy Assassinated
While riding in a motorcade through Dallas, Texas, President John F. Kennedy is shot and killed. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson assumes the presidency. -
Students Burn Draft Cards
Some 1,000 students gather in New York City to protest the Vietnam War. Twelve burn their selective service registration cards—draft cards—in a symbolic gesture of opposition to the war. -
USS Maddox Incident
the USS Maddox was attacked by three North Vietnamese torpedo boats after firing warning shots. The skirmish that followed resulted in the deaths of four North Vietnamese sailors; there were no American casualties, and the Maddox sustained only a single bullet hole in damage. It has since been speculated that the incident was exaggerated or even fabricated.
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U.S. troops in Vietnam
The first U.S. combat troops arrive in Vietnam. America finally signalled its intention to become fully committed to war in Vietnam with the arrival of 3,500 combat troops just north of Da Nang -
Tet Offensive
The North Vietnamese join forces with the Viet Cong to launch the Tet Offensive, attacking approximately one hundred South Vietnamese cities and towns.South Vietnamese and United States forces eventually managed to beat back the attacks, but not before both sides sustained heavy casualties--including massacres of thousands of citizens.The image shows civilians sorting through the ruins of their homes in Cholon, the heavily damaged Chinese section of Saigon -
Vietnam Protest
President Nixon announces that U.S. troops will attack enemy locations in Cambodia. This news sparks nationwide protests, especially on college campuses. -
The Paris Peace Accords
The Paris Peace Accords are signed that provide a cease-fire. The image shows a 6 page newspaper that had a four column headline on the front page: "Cease-Fire Agreement Is Signed" -
Vietnamization
As part of the process of “Vietnamization,” President Richard Nixon’s protocol to end United States involvement in Vietnam in the early 1970s, the US began to withdraw its troops quickly. Signed by National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger and Vietnamese Leader Le Duc Tho on January 27, 1973, the Paris Peace Accords officially ended American involvement in Vietnam and halted fighting for the time being. -
U.S. Troops withdraw from Vietnam
The last U.S. troops are withdrawn from Vietnam. The image shows marines honoring their fallen comrades in Vietnam. -
South Vietnam surrenders
South Vietnam surrenders to the communists. Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, was captured by the Viet Cong and the People's Army of Vietnam.South Vietnam surrendered, ending the war. -
Time Declares Ho Chi Minh "The Victor"
Just days after the government of South Vietnam surrendered to the VC and North Vietnamese armies, Ho Chi Minh appears on the cover of Time magazine, this time with the heading, "The Victor." -
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. is dedicated.
