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Ho Chi Minh Creates Provisional Government
Following the surrender of Japan to Allied forces, Ho Chi Minh and his People's Congress create the National Liberation Committee of Vietnam to form a provisional government. Japan transfers all power to Ho's Vietminh. -
French and Vietminh Reach Accord
France recognizes Vietnam as a "free state" within the French Union. French troops replace Chinese in the North. -
Valluy Fails to Defeat Vietminh
French General Etienne Valluy attempts, and fails, to wipe out the Vietminh in one stroke. -
Elysee Agreement Signed
Bao Dai and President Vincent Auriol of France sign the Elysee Agreement. As part of the agreement the French pledge to assist in the building of a national anti-Communist army. -
US Pledges $15M to Aid French
The United States sends $15 million dollars in military aid to the French for the war in Indochina. Included in the aid package is a military mission and military advisors. -
Battle of Dienbienphu Begins
A force of 40,000 heavily armed Vietminh lay seige to the French garrison at Dienbienphu. Using Chinese artillery to shell the airstrip, the Vietminh make it impossible for French supplies to arrive by air. It soon becomes clear that the French have met their match. -
Diem Urged to Negotiate with North
Britain, France, and United States covertly urge Diem to respect Geneva accords and conduct discussions with the North. -
US Training South Vietnamese
The US Military Assistance Advisor Group (MAAG) assumes responsibility, from French, for training South Vietnamese forces. -
The US Military Assistance Advisor Group (MAAG) assumes responsibility, from French, for training South Vietnamese forces.
Communist insurgent activity in South Vietnam begins. Guerrillas assassinate more than 400 South Vietnamese officials. Thirty-seven armed companies are organized along the Mekong Delta. -
Kennedy Elected President
John F. Kennedy narrowly defeats Richard Nixon for the presidency.