-
An Independent Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh declares Vietnam an independent nation and calls it the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
(http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/ho-chi-minh-46.php) -
Viet Minh Recognition
Viet Minh receive military advisors and weapons from China after being recognized as an independent nation by the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union.
(https://libcom.org/history/1945-1957-vietnam) -
United States Involvment
The United States becomes involved in the Vietnam war after President Harry Truman authorizes $15 million in military aid to France.
(http://www.ouramericanpresidents.org/truman.html) -
U.S. Advancements in Vietnam
The U.S. creates a Military Assistance Advisory Group in Saigon to aid the French Army. (http://www.politico.com/story/2011/01/us-formally-ends-participation-in-vietnam-war-jan-27-1973-048235) -
Viet Minh Conquers
Nearly 50,000 Viet Minh begin their attack on the hills protecting the Dien Bien Phu airbase. The French suffer a major defeat and reach out to Washington for help from the U.S., but no action is taken. (http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/vietnam-celebrates-60th-anniversary-battle-dien-bien-phu-victory-1447556) -
Vietnam Splits
The Geneva Accords create a temporary boundary between North and South Vietnam at the 17th parallel. -
Republic of Vietnam
South Vietnam declares itself the Republic of Vietnam and Ngo Dinh Diem is named the president. (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ngo-Dinh-Diem) -
National Liberation Front Established
The National Liberation Front (a.k.a. Viet Cong) is created in South Vietnam. (https://www.emaze.com/@ALOZZZFL/Vietcong%5C-copy1) -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
North Vietnamese attack two U.S. destroyers sitting in international waters. (http://olive-drab.com/od_history_vietnam_tonkin.php) -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Following the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, the U.S. passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, thus committing the U.S. to take military action in Vietnam. (http://faculty.polytechnic.org/gfeldmeth/0110421a.html) -
Operation Rolling Thunder
A U.S. military aerial bombing begins in North Vietnam. Shortly after, the first U.S. combat troops arrive in Vietnam. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Rolling_Thunder) -
Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Join Forces
The North Vietnamese join forces with Viet Cong to begin the Tet Offensive. They begin attacking over 100 South Vietnamese cities and towns. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tet_Offensive) -
Mai Lai Killings
The U.S. kills hundreds of civilians in the town of Mai Lai. -
Ho Chi Minh Dies
Ho Chi Minh dies at the age of 79. Beginning the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam. -
America Learns about Mai Lai
The American public becomes aware of the Mai Lai massacre, inciting protests within the country. Shortly after, the Pentagon Papers are released. -
The Easter Offensive
North Vietnamese cross the demilitarized zone into South Vietnam and begin attack. (http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/vietnamwar/p
/easteroffensive.htm) -
North Vietnam Attacks
After the last of the U.S. troops are withdrawn from Vietnam, North Vietnam launches a massive attack on South Vietnam. -
South Vietnam Surrenders
South Vietnam surrenders to the communists. Vietnam is soon named the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and becomes unified as a communist country in July of 1976.(http://alcalino.org/flag/Vietnam.html)
