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Republic of Vietnam Declaration of Existence
Under the newly elected President Ngo Dinh Diem, South Vietnam declares itself the Republic of Vietnam. -
Period: to
Vietnam War
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Establishment of the National Liberation Front (Viet Cong)
Viet Cong, formally known as the National Liberation Front, is established in South Vietnam. -
Ngo Dinh Diem Executed
During a coup, South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem is executed. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
In an event known as the Guild of Tonkin Incident, North Vietnamese attack two U.S. destroyers sitting in international waters. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution is passed by U.S. congress in response to the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. -
Operation Rolling Thunder
The U.S. sustained aerial bombing campaign of North Vietnam begins (Operation Rolling Thunder). -
U.S. Troops Arrive
The first official U.S. troops arrive in Vietnam. -
Mai Lai Massacre
Official U.S. soldiers murder hundreds of Vietnamese civilians in the town of Mai Lai. -
Paris Peace Accords
The Paris Peace Accords are signed, providing a cease-fire. -
U.S. Withdraws
The last of the official U.S. troops are wishdrawn from Vietnam. -
South Vietnam Surrender
South Vietnam officially surrenders to the communist forces of North Vietnam.
