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Battle of Dien Bien Phu
The battle in Dien Bien Phu lasted 55 days (through may 7, 1954), killing many soldiers. The French were defeated by the Vietnamese forces. Image:
http://www.socialsciencecollective.org/dien-bien-phu-us-offer-france-bomb/ -
Geneva Conference
After their loss to the Vietnamese in the battle at Dien Bien Phu, the French government organized the geneva conference. The agreement was that Vietnam would be split into the 17th parallel until further elections were held (which never happened). This seperated Vietnam into the North and South. At this point Eisenhower is frightened because he feels that with first
China, then Korea adopting communism; it could become like a domino effect. Image:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva_Conferen -
Insurgent by North Vietnam
Communist soldiers from North Vietnam attacked the South murdering over 4,000 South Vietnamese. Image:
http://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2015/03/the-vietnam-war-part-i-early-years-and-escalation/389054/ -
Vietcong
North Vietnam creates the NLF (National Liberation Front) a communist group residing in South Vietnam. Diem's government refered to them as Vietcong. Image:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NLF_and_PAVN_battle_tactics -
Kennedy/an increase of U.S. support
John F. Kennedy beats Richard Nixon, Dwight Eisenhower's vice president and becomes the new U.S. president Jan 20, 1961 with Lyndon B. Johnson as his vice president. Later this year, Kennedy orders more help for South Vietnam including an increase in military forces, equpitment, etc. Image:
http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/jfk-in-his-own-words -
Military Coup
Shortly after the protests of Buddhist monks toward the South Vietnamese government, Diem was overthrown and mudered on Nov 2, 1963 during a military coup inflicted by North Vietnam. Dương Văn Minh will take over Diem's power. John F. Kennedy also died this same year by assasination on November 22. Vice President Johnson will take over Kennedy's power. Image:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/480407485221234299/ -
Gulf of Tonkin
North Vietnam attacks 2 U.S. destroyers situated in international waters with torpedo boats. Two days later, another destroyer reported being under attack. The "Gulf of Tonkin Resolution" created by Jonhson that followed this passed giving Johnson full control to control military. Image:
http://d--h.info/?p=8282 -
Mỹ Lai Massacre
On this date, angry American soldiers including those of the "Charlie" company entered the village of Mỹ Lai and began killing. Hundreds of Viatnamese including men, women, children, infants, and livestock.
After this event Johnson seeks an end for the war, announcing ht they are prepared to move towards peace along with the fact that he will not seek re-election. Nixon will take over his presidency.
Image:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Lai_Massacre -
Vietnamization
With 540,000 troops stationed in Vietnam, Nixon announces a plan for Vietnamization; training South Vietnamese to assume the roles of U.S. soldiers, along with promises of significant reduces in U.S. soldiers. During this same year, Ho Chi Minh died at age 79.
Number of U.S. troops peaks to 543,000 Image:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madman_theory -
Cambodian Invasion
Nixon publically announced that the South Vietnamese and American will attack enemies in Cambodia. Protests against the invasion arise especially on college campuses. One protest in Kent State resulted in the death of 4 students, another resulted in 2. -
Pentagon Papers
The public was already upset with the attacks on Combodia, but once sections of the Pentagon papers were being released, citizins were becoming more informed about what was really going on like undisclosed bombing campaings in Laos and Cambodia.
In June congress voted to remove all U.S. troops from the war. Image:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_Papers -
Easter Offenive/Reduced troops
A massive bombing is odered by President in response to an NLF attack referred to as the Easter Offensive on South Vietnam. Nixon later this year sends all ground troops home significantly reducing the amount of U.S. military deployed. Thousands of airmen, advisors, etc remain however. He is re-elected this year.
Alleged peace talks between the U.S. and North Vietnam are revealed during this time. Image:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2172928.The_Easter_Offensive -
Peace
A peace agreement is signed by South Vietnam, North Vietnam, and the United States declaring a ceasefire. The last American troops leave Vietnam and North Vietnam also releases approximatly 600 American Prisoners of war. Image:
misslipperthistorywiki.wikispaces.com -
Ceasefire comes to an end
The North Vietnamese didn't last long eith the agreement they signed, invading South Vietnam yet again. Congress votes not to help South Vietnam and Nixon resigns. Image:
https://ows.edb.utexas.edu/site/stephanies-site/north-vietnam -
The war ends
The communists take aim at Siagon which ends up falling and the South Vietnamese President Duong Van Minh offers a surrendor. The North Vietnamese accept and the war ends essentially making North Vietnam the winner. Image:
http://taistudiescenter.org/tai-dam-history/
