-
the start of the the vietnam war
Vietnam War, (1954–75), a protracted conflict that pitted the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies in South Vietnam, known as the Viet Cong, against the government of South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. Called the “American War” in Vietnam (or, in full, the “War Against the Americans to Save the Nation”), the war was also part of a larger regional conflict (see Indochina wars) and a manifestation of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union -
national liberation front
The viet-cong formed as an anti-Diem and anti-United States force in the South. -
United States President Lyndon Johnson given war powers.
North Vietnamese patrol boat attacks a United States destroyer in Gulf of Tonkin. -
United States combat troops arrive in Vietnam, beginning (Second) Vietnam War.
General Nguyen Van Thieu assumes control of the South. -
Tet Offensive launched by Ho Chi Minh and Viet Cong in South.
Counter-offensive by United States results in massacre at My Lai. -
Richard Nixon assumes presidency in United States and begins “Vietnamization” policy
secret bombing of Viet Cong inside Cambodian borders. Ho Chi Minh dies. -
Paris Peace Agreements negotiated by Nixon and Kissinger.
United States withdraws troops rapidly following Agreement, but war continues unabated in the South. -
Nixon resigns after Watergate scandal
President Gerald Ford reluctant to sustain aid to South Vietnamese forces. -
Communists take Saigon
Last remaining United States citizens evacuated. Vietnam unified under Communist rule. Saigon renamed Ho Chi Minh City. -
Vietnam invades Cambodia
Vietnam usurps rule from Khmer Rouge. Tensions with China, which supported Khmer Rouge, increase.
