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Democratic Republic of Vietnam Formed
Japan surrendered. Ho Chi Minh clamed the independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam with Hanoi as the capital and Ho Chi Minh as its president. However. -
The First Indochina War Started
after Japan’s defeat in World War II, French troops came back to occupy Vietnam. The conflict soon turned into a conventional war between the French and the Viet Minh -
China & Soviets recognized the Democratic Republic of Vietnam
The People’s Republic of China, now a Communist state, recognized Ho Chi Minh’s government. So did the Soviet Union12 days later. -
The U.S. Gave France Military Aid
U.S. President Harry S. Truman denied the legitimacy of Democratic Republic of Vietnam but recognized the new French-supported government, State of Vietnam, under former emperor Bao Dai’s leadership. The U.S. also gave France a military aid worth $15 millions. Ten months later, the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) were sent to Saigon. -
Domino Theory” Coined
U.S. President Eisenhower referred to the so-called “Domino Theory” when talking about communism in Indochina in a news conference. If communism was successful in Indochina, he argued, it would spread to their neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Burma, Singapore, where there were large Communist movements at the time, very quickly like a domino effect. -
French surrendered
The French surrendered to the Viet Minh after suffering a decisive defeat at Dien Bien Phu. One day later, Geneva Conference began to discuss the status of Indochina. -
Bao Dai Appointed Ngo Dinh Diem
Bao Dai appointed Ngo Dinh Diem as the new leader of what would become South Vietnam. -
Geneva Accords Signed. Vietnam Divided
Many leaders met in Geneva, Switzerland to devide Vietnam in order to restore peace. -
U.S. Supported Diem
On October 26, Ngo Dinh Diem proclaimed the independence of Republic of Vietnam, naming himself as President. The U.S. recognized Diem regime and consented to train Diem’s army. Diem with the support of the U.S. refused to hold the reunification election, fearing that he would lose against Ho Chi Minh. -
Ho Chi Minh Land Reforms
In North Vietnam, following other communist doctrines, “Land Reforms” ordinance was conducted which made thousands of people classified as landowners and rich peasants tortured, captured and executed. As a result, there was a mass exodus heading from North to South Vietnam. -
Diem Began Repression
Diem began to capture those who fought for or were in Viet Minh’s side. -
Guerrilla War Began
Under North Vietnam’s support, Viet Minh conducted a campaign of guerrilla warfare to crush Diem regime, killing more than 4,000 South Vietnamese officials.
