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Eisenhower delivers "Domino Theory" speech
Domino TheoryThe Domino Theory was a popular theory during the Cold War that if one country in a region fell under Communist rule that others would soon follow. This idea was justification for American intervention across the globe. -
South Vietnam declares itself the Republic of Vietnam.
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President Eisenhower deploys the MIlitary Assistance Advisory Group
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The National Liberation Front (NLF) is established in South Vietnam.
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Kennedy is assasinated
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The Tonkin Gulf Resolution
Enacted in response to the Tonkin Gulf incident, the resolution gave President Johnson authorization to use military force in Southeast Asia, without a formal declaration of war from Congress. This resolution fast tracked U.S. military involvement in South Vietnam and eventually warfare between North Vietnam and the US. -
Period: to
Operation Rolling Thunder
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The Tet Offensive
<a href='http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1862.html' >The Tet Offensive was a series of surprise attacks by the North Vietnamese and the NLF on the first day of the Lunar New Year. A military loss for the NLF and North Vietnamese, however a striking reminder against American optimism that the war was coming to a close. -
My Lai Massacre
As many as 500 unarmed civilians were murdered in the village of Son My in South Vietnam. Victims included men, women, children and infants. The incident was covered up for a year before rumors began to circulate and a number of officers were charged, resulting in one conviction. -
President Nixon takes office
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Ceasefire
