The Vietnam War

Buddhist Monks Self-Immolate

Jun 11, 1963

Thich Quang Duc, a 66-year-old Buddhist monk, sets himself on fire in protest of the South Vietnamese government, its religious intolerance, and discrination policies. Other buddhists then follow his lead and set themselves on fire in order to demonstarte against the regime. This affects American support of south Vietnemease government.

Credibility Gap

Oct 2, 1963

Robert McNamara lets Americans know that Kennedy intends to withdraw most American forces from South Vietnam by the end of 1965. It is a considered a credibility gap because the truth about what is happening in Vietnam and what the government is telling Americans are two different things.

First North Vietnam Bombing

Aug 4, 1964

There was a report of a second assult by North Vietnemease gunboats. President johnson orders relaliation strikes. This causes the U.S. to bomb North Vietnam for the first time.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Aug 7, 1964

Congress passed this in 1964, giving president Lyndon Johnson the power to take whatever steps nessecary to retaliate. This authorized military action.

Viet Cong Attack Pleiku

Feb 7, 1965

The Viet Cong attack a U.S. Air Force base at Pleiku, South Vietnam, killing eight Americans and wounding more than 100.

Search and Destroy Missions

Jun 1, 1965

This was an operation developed for U.S. troops in Vietnam. Platoons are sent to "search and destroy," meaning to ambush and kill enemy forces then withdraw immediately after.

March on The Pentagon

Oct 21, 1967

To show their dislike and feelings towards the Vietnam war, Thousands of people marched to the Pentagon. They did this in order to show that they were against the war.

Tet Offensive

Jan 31, 1968

This was a huge North Vietnemease suprise attack. North Vietnamese and Viet Cong attacked cities in south Vietnam. There was serious of attacks on more than 100 cities.This was a massive turning point in the war.

Vietnamization

Jun 1, 1969

This was a plan by Kissinger to withdraw U.S. troops so South Vietnemease could take more active combat role in the Vietnam War. After this plan was put into action, the number of U.S. troops in Vietnam greatly declined.

Cambodia Invasion

Apr 30, 1970

President Nixon announced that American and South Vietnamese units have invaded Cambodia to destroy bases that have provided aid to the NLF. This also caused huge protests.

Ending of Vietnam War

Jun 27, 1973

Americans declared the war was over. The war still continues bewteen North and South Vietnam until 1975. Americans said to send money instead of people to Vietnam. The war left 58,000 Americans killed.