The Vietnam War

Eisenhower Refuses to Send Troops

Feb 10, 1954

President Eisenhower decides to not send troops into the Vietnamese War. He does not want to get involved with a conflict between the two regions of Vietnam.

Dien Bien Phu

Mar 13, 1954

The first assault begins. The French forces are battled at Dien Bien Phu. The fight lasts two months.

Vietnam Divides

Jul 21, 1954

The Geneva Accords is signed by Ho Chi Minh and France. Vietnam is divided until the next election in 1954. The United States government and South Vietnamese decide not to sign, but agree to abide by the settlement.

United States supports Ngo Dinh Diem

Dec 1, 1955

Ngo Dinh Diem, President of South Vietnam, refuses to follow the Geneva Accords which ended the first Indochina war. Countrywide elections are withheld. The United States supports Diem's decisions.

Johnson Visits South Vietnam

May 1, 1961

Vice President, Lyndon B. Johnson, visits Diem in South Vietnam. He offers economic and military support from the United States. Over 3,000 military men will be in Southern Vietnam.

North Vietnam Bombing

Aug 4, 1964

The USS Maddox states that there has been a second attack by North Vietnam. Lyndon B. Johnson orders strikes. The United States bombs North Vietnam.

Military Draft

Aug 31, 1965

The United States passes an amendment that penalizes anyone that destroys their draft card. All male individuals are required to serve in the military. Johnson turns this amendment into a law. A punishment will be ensued if one neglects this law.

Stopping the Bombing

Dec 25, 1965

Lyndon B. Johnson stops the bombing in North Vietnam. He starts negotiating. This only lasts a month.

Talk of Peace

Apr 3, 1968

Ho Chi Minh has started discussing peace. The government will negotiate in May. However, the number of United States troops is continuing to rise.

Number of U.S. troops

Jun 2, 1969

The number of U.S. troops in Vietnam reaches over 500,000.President Nixon offers a "Vitenamization" of relocating troops in South Vietnam. He will withdraw 25,000 U.S. troops.

Ho Chi Minh Dies

Sep 2, 1969

The president of North Vietnam dies.

Invasion of Cambodia

Apr 30, 1970

President Nixon announces that South Vietnam and America will invade Cambodia to destroy bases that give aid to the NLF. The National Liberation Front were given help by Cambodia during the North and South Vietnam conflict.

Congress Withdraws Troops

Jun 2, 1971

The House and the Senate vote to withdraw all American troops by the end of the year. The government tries to end the eight year tie with the Vietnam War.

Operation Linebacker

Mar 30, 1972

President Nixon orders bombing on North Vietnam. There was a major attack done by the NLF in South Vietnam causing the bomb attacks. The bombings were named Operation Linebacker.

Vietnam Ceasefire

Jan 27, 1973

North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and the United States sign a peace agreement. America withdraws combat troops. South Vietnam now allows elections in order for the people to have a say with their government.

Vietnam War Officially Ends

Apr 30, 1975

The Vietnam War is over for the United States. Over three million troops have served during the Vietnam War. Over 150,000 troops were wounded and there were over 55,000 casualties.