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Preliminaries to Conflict
China, a Communist nation, officially recognizes Ho Chin Minh's government. Minh controlled the Northern half of Vietnam, which was officially recognized as the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The Soviets followed China after a short time. The southern half of Vietnam was known simply as the Republic of Vietnam, and would be recognized by the United States later that year (shmoop.com). Picture credit: http://all-len-all.com/on-this-day-jan-18-1950-china-recognizes-vietnam/ -
Eisenhower Refuses to Send American Troops to Vietnam
There is conflict brewing in Vietnam, yet Eisenhower refuses to send troops (shmoop.com). This would create a dangerous precedent that would ultimately hurt the United States in this war. Picture credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_D._Eisenhower. -
Conflict Begins
(Date used in absence of a more specific one.) Minh begins guerrilla warfare against Southern Vietnam, and the war has begun (shmoop.com). Picture credit: http://vietnamawbb.weebly.com/guerrilla-warfare-and-war-of-attrition.html -
First US Death
The first death of an American during conflict is officially reported. For many, this is the unofficial start of the war for the United States (shmoop.com). Picture credit: http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/20/us/vietnam-war-five-things/ -
Americans Authorized to Fight Back
American troops and officials in Vietnam are authorized to fire if fired upon, and US military presence in Vietnam starts to increase (shmoop.com). Picture credit: http://historyimages.blogspot.com/2012/06/some-rarely-seen-images-of-vietnam-war.html -
Johnson's Policies
(Date used in absence of a more specific one.) Lyndon Johnson, who followed Eisenhower as president, refuses to declare a state of emergency in Vietnam. This means that as conflict begins older soldiers must stay home, Cambodia cannot be invaded and becomes a refuge for Northern Vietnamese troops, and the United States is not fully committed to the war. This clearly follows Eisenhower's ideas and policies. Picture credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_B._Johnson -
Rallies Against Vietnam Begin
Rallies and riots against the war in Vietnam begin in the United States (shmoop.com). These disgusting protests greatly influenced the politicians of the day, making the war one of the most political in recent years. This led to great American loss. Picture credit: https://sites.google.com/site/vietnamwar1959/vietnam-protests -
Ia Drang Valley Conflict
The Ia Drang conflict begins. This was the first major conflict that the United States was involved in. This brutal conflict lasted four days, and set the tone for the war overall (We Were Soldiers Once, and Young). Picture credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Ia_Drang -
Westmoreland Requests More Troops
United States General Westmoreland requests a massive increase of troops to Vietnam as the war escalates (shmoop.com). Picture credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Westmoreland -
America's Longest War
On this date, the Vietnam War officially became the longest war in which the US had ever been involved. Casualties have reached 23000 and continue to rise (shmoop.com). Because of Johnson and Eisenhower's policies, the war was hampered with difficulties, and could have been ended much sooner. Picture credit: http://trcs.wikispaces.com/Vietnam+War08 -
Nixon is Elected
Richard Nixon is elected president. His presidency will see the end of the war in Vietnam (shmoop.com). Picture credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Nixon -
"Vietnamization"
Nixon begins the process of training the Southern Vietnamese to continue the fight and withdrawing American troops (shmoop.com). Picture credit: http://olive-drab.com/od_history_vietnam_nixon.php -
Congress Withdraws Troops
The US Congress officially votes to withdraw all American troops from Vietnam (shmoop.com). The policital Vietnam War has left America drained, but our purpose was never truly accomplished. American troops leave Vietnam without ever finishing what they were sent to do. Picture credit: http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2014/03/history-for-march-29.html -
The Vietnam War Ends
The final combat troop for the US leaves Vietnam. The US has suffered 150000 wounded, 60000 dead, and 1000 MIA (shmoop.com). Picture credit: http://lde421.blogspot.com/2013/03/putting-out-fire-jim-keans-vietnam.html -
The War Ends for the Rest of the World
The Northern Vietnamese troops take Saigon, the hub of Southern Vietnam. The war has ended. America's efforts have been mostly in vain, and the Communists have won (shmoop.com). Picture credit: http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/April/Saigon-Falls-to-Vietcong--Ending-Vietnam-War.html
