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Diem fights Communism
Diem receives military aid from the United States to fight communism in Vietnam. Many Viet Cong (Vietnamese Communists) are tortured and murdered. -
Diem Assassinated
In a coup by his own generals Diem and his brother are assassinated, three weeks before J.F.K. Political instability ensues, and Kennedy's successor Lyndon B. Johnson increases military intervention in Vietnam -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Two American DRV boats are torpedoed in the Gulf of Tonkin by Vietnamese forces. President Johnson convinces Congress to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which allows him to declare war on Vietnam. -
Johnson Officially Declares War On Vietnam
With the full support of the Government and American people, Johnson sends combat forces into Vietnam to fight the spread of Communism and help the South Vietnamese. -
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Operation Rolling Thunder
America launches air raids in Vietnam, bombing important military locations. The attacks are code named: ''Operation Rolling Thunder." the raids continue for three years. -
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Government Distrust
Many troops are sent to Vietnam, and many die there. The American Government convinces the populace that the war is being won, but with more soldiers coming back injured, physically and mentally, and many more troops deserting, people begin to distrust the government. A large anti-war movement begins. -
Nixon Elected Presidant
After a bitter election season, Richard Nixon is elected president. He decides to limit the number of American casualties by announcing a program called "Vietnamization." This program called for the withdrawal of troops, the increase of air attacks, and the training of South Vietnamese soldiers to fight. -
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Carnage reigns
The next few years would bring more terrible happenings. One of which was the "My Lai Masscre" where American soldiers mercilessly killed 400 unarmed civilians in the village of My Lai. Another was the "Kent State Massacre" where National guardsmen shot and killed four college students during a protest. These events caused massive political disruption and many protests. -
Tet Offensive
Communist North Vietnam becomes nervous, and impatient. They decide to launch an attack known as "The Tet Offensive." Under General Vo Nguyen Giap over 70,000 DVR forces attack some 100 cities and towns in South Vietnam, shocking the U.S. -
The Vietnam War Ends
After a failed offensive into South Vietnam, Hanoi agrees to peace talks with Saigon, and drafted a peace agreement. Saigon rejected it and Nixon authorized bombings of important military targets in Hanoi and other locations in North Vietnam. These are known as the "Christmas Bombings." In 1973, North Vietnam agrees to a final peace agreement with the United States, ending any hostility between the two nations, and ending America's involvement in the Vietnam war.
