Vietnam Era

THE VIETNAM AND FRANCE

Jul 21, 1954

The Vietminh defeats the French. Vietnam is divided into two zones: the Communist-ruled north and a republic in the south. Ho Chi Minh is President of North Vietnam until 1969.

North Vietnam

Dec 20, 1959

Communists supported by North Vietnam cause conflict in South Vietnam. This conflict between the two halves of Vietnam marks the beginning of the Vietnam War.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

Aug 2, 1964

North Vietnamese attack two U.S. destroyers sitting in international waters

War Starts

Mar 4, 1965

Trying to stop the spread of Communism, the United States sends combat troops to Vietnam. About 60,000 American soldiers and many more Vietnamese soldiers die in the years to follow. This loss of lives sparks anti-war protests all over America.

Rolling Thunder

Mar 8, 1965

U.S. aerial bombing campaign of North Vietnam begins (Operation Rolling Thunder).

Tet Offensive

Jan 30, 1968

The North Vietnamese join forces with the Viet Cong to launch the Tet Offensive, attacking approximately one hundred South Vietnamese cities and towns.

US Troops

Jul 13, 1969

President Nixon orders the first of many U.S. troop withdrawals from Vietnam.

Kent State University

May 4, 1970

were the shootings on May 4, 1970, of unarmed college students by members of the Ohio National Guard at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, during a mass protest against the bombing of Cambodia by United States military forces

Coming Home

Mar 29, 1973

In response to anti-war feelings, the U.S. signs a peace accord with North Vietnam. American troops leave Vietnam.

War Ended

Apr 24, 1975

South Vietnam surrenders to Communist North Vietnam. North and South Vietnam are united in 1976 under Communist leadership