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Ho Chi Mihn declares independence of Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh declares Vietnam's independence from France. This is brought on by the surrender of the Japanese to the Allied forces. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/vietnam-independence-proclaimed -
Period: to
The Vietnam War
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U.S. pledges monetary aid to French
President Harry Truman pledges $15 million to French efforts in Vietnam, marking the beginning of U.S. military involvement in the war. By 1954 the U.S. is providing 80% of war supplies used by French. http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html -
Eisenhower gives speech on "Domino Theory"
In a press conference in 1954, President Eisenhower coins the term "Domino Theory" to suggest the compounding effects of communism in the east spreading to more countries. This theory became one of the biggest arguments for presence in Vietnam. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/eisenhower-gives-famous-domino-theory-speech -
Geneva Conference of 1954 begins
The Geneva Conference included several countries such as France and the United States. It resulted in the Geneva Accord, an agreement that said Vietnam would be split into two halves. This decision meant to keep peace while the disagreements were settled ultimately led deeper into war and conflict. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/geneva-conference-begins -
France leaves Vietnam
On April 28, 1956 the last French soldier left Vietnam and the French High Command for Indochina dissolved. http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html -
JFK elected president
When John F. Kennedy is elected president, the situation in the Southeast is quickly deteriorating. JFK begins his term amidst political unrest across the country and world. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/john-f-kennedy-elected-president -
Assassination of John F. Kennedy
J.F.K. was shot in his car in Dallas, Texas. The tragic event led to the presidency of Jyndon B. Johnson, a change of authority that altered the course of the Vietnam War. http://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK/JFK-in-History/November-22-1963-Death-of-the-President.aspx -
Tonkin Resolution
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution advanced American involvement in the war by giving congressional support to the war effort. http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/gulf-of-tonkin-resolution -
Tet Offensive
North Vietnamese forces launch a series of hundreds of bloody attacks on Sout Vietnamese cities. U.S. and Southern forces fought off the attack but news coverage lowered morale for the war. http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/tet-offensive -
My Lai Massacre
The My Lai Massacre was the mass murder of around 400 unarmed civilians in South VIetnam. This shocking episode made many question our motives and ethics overseas. http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/my-lai-massacre -
First U.S. troops withdrawn from Vietnam
This marked the beginning of the end, as the first troops were pulled out of Saigon. Troops still remained for five more years until the signing of the Paris Peace Accords. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-us-troops-withdrawn-from-south-vietnam -
Nixon announces Vietnamization
In a televised press conference Nixon announces his plan of Vietnamization. His idea was to refocus thoughts of the war on Vietnam and their dream of peace rather than American meddling in foreign affairs. http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/vietnamization -
Paris Peace Accords
An agreement to cease fire was reached between North and South Vietnam and the United States. The Accords did little to stem the conflict and fighting continued soon after. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/honor/peopleevents/e_paris.html -
Richard Nixon resigns
President Nixon resigns his presidency, leaving South Vietnam without one of their strongest advocates. http://www.pbs.org/battlefieldvietnam/timeline/index4.html -
Last American soldiers leave
On April 30th, 1975 the final American soldiers leave Vietnam. At dawn, North Vietnamese forces enter Siagon, signalling the end of the war. Millions of soldiers and civilians died throughout the struggle. http://www.pbs.org/battlefieldvietnam/timeline/index4.html
