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Eisenhower Considers Intervening
President Eisenhower has to decide whether or not to get America involved in the war. This is important because it is the possible start of a war for Americans. -
Nixon Offers Support
Nixon offers his support to commiting troops to the war efforts. This is important because although the decision was unpopular, he thought that it would end the war faster. -
Vietnam Divided
France and Ho Chi Min signed the Geneva Accord. This stated that Vietnam was to divide at the seventeenth parallel. This is important because the document, while designed to bring peace, ultimately led to war. -
US Offers Support
The United States agrees to support Ngo Dinh Diem against the Geneva Accord, even though Diem belives he will lose against Ho Chi Minh. This is important because the US is opposing the document intended to "create peace". -
Eisenhower is Re Elected
Eisenhower is voted into his second term as President. This is important because he was President at the start of these events, so there is no real switching of office in this situation. He is able to continue his efforts. -
South Army Coup Falls
South Vietnamese forces attempt a coup against Ngo Dinh Diem. This is important because it shows an internal struggle in the South. -
Viet Cong Formed
The Viet Cong is formed and funded by the North Vietnamese government. This is important because they remain a big force in the war through the end. -
First US Death in Combat
This is the first American combat death reported. This is important because many people considered this to be the start of the war for America. -
Diem Survives an Assassination Attempt
Two South Vietnamese pilots try bombing his palace. This is important because it continues a show of internal strife. -
USS Maddox
North Vietnamese gunboats attack the USS Maddox. This is important because they did nothing to provoke the attack. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution gives Lyndon B. Johnson the authority to do whatever necessary to defend South Vietnam. This is important because it gives him less restrictions and more capabilities. -
LBJ is Elected
Lyndon B. Johnson wins in a landslide vote. This is important because he will take us through the end of the war. -
First Combat Units
The first US combat units are arriving in Vietnam at this time. This is important because it marks the official start of US involvement. -
US Pulls Troops
The US ends direct military involvement. This is important because it marks the end of the war for America. -
First Deaths in Vietnam
The first two American soldiers are killed in a guerrilla attack. This is important because it is the first American deaths of the war.
