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Japan invades Vietnam
The Japanese occupation of Vietnam started in September 1940 and continued for the duration of World War II. The cause for this invasion was because Japan was in a war with China that started in1937. Tokyo hoped that by occupying Japan it would close off China’s southern border and thus stopping its supply of weapons and materials. -
Ho Chi Minh establishes the Viet Minh
Ho Chi Minh declares an independent Vietnam, called the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.When Japan formally surrendered to the Allies on September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh felt confident enough to proclaim the independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam. -
The Viet Minh receive military advisors and weapons from China.
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The United States pledges $15 million worth of military aid to France to help them fight in Vietnam.
China begins providing the Viet Minh with military advisors and weapons. In response, the United States pledges $15 million in military aid to France. -
The French suffer defeat at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.
The Viet Minh defeat the French army in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. This forced the surrender of most troops. -
France signs the Geneva Accord
This was a cease-fire that leads to the peaceful withdrawal of French troops from Southeast Asia. Vietnam was temporarily divided between North and South. -
South Vietnam declares itself the Republic of Vietnam
During this time they also had a newly elected Ngo Dinh Diem as president. The elections were rigged. Diem said that South Vietnam was not a party to the Geneva Accords. The North remained under the control of Ho. -
insurgency in South Vietnam
Communist guerillas begin an insurgency in South Vietnam. This event caused the assassination of more than 400 South Vietnamese officials. -
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Vietnam is unified as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam under communist rule. This new government rule led to thousands of Vietnamese refugees, dubbed “boat people,” flee in crowded and rickety boats, hoping to be permitted to reach other countries. -
The National Liberation Front is established
The National Liberation Front (NLF), was designed to replicate the success of the Viet Minh. The nationalist organization that successfully liberated Vietnam from French colonial rule.The NLF reached out to parts of South Vietnamese society who didn't agree with the government and policies of Ngo Dinh Diem. -
President Ngo Dinh Diem is executed
Members of the South Vietnamese military overthrew Diem and executed him. -
The Gulf of Tonkin Incident
On August 2 three North Vietnamese boats fired torpedoes at the U.S.S. Maddox, a destroyer located in the international waters of the Tonkin Gulf. On August 7, Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This document authorized the U.S president, President Johnson to “take all necessary measures" towards them. -
Operation Rolling Thunder
The U.S. begins sustained bombing of North Vietnam which continued for three years. -
The First Anti War Protests
The first anti war protest is held in New York City! -
Operation Cedar Falls
Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara decided that the bombings were not effective. Then the U.S. launched Operation Cedar Falls. This was an operation involving 30,000 U.S. and South Vietnamese troops to destroy Vietcong operations. -
Tet Offensive
The North Vietnamese and Vietcong forces launch an attack on one hundred South Vietnamese towns. Within days, U.S. forces recapture most of the effected areas. -
Operation Breakfast
This secret opration facilitated the bombing of Communist supply routes and base camps in Cambodia and was approved by President Nixon. The bombing continues for 14 months without knowledge of Congress or the American public. -
Nixon asks first wave of troops to withdrawl
Nixon starts asking troops to withdrawl from Vietnam. At this point there were more than 530,000 troops in Vietnam. -
The Paris Peace Accords
U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Vietcong leader Le Duc Tho sign the Paris Peace Accords. This created a cease-fire that would allow for U.S. to withdrawal their troops. -
North Vietnam launches assault on South Vietnam
President Gerald Ford announces that for the U.S., the Vietnam War is “finished.” as they had no interest in getting involved again. -
South Vietnam surrenders to the communists.
South Vietnam surrenders to Communist forces and the last Americans troops leave. -
Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C.
