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Geneva Conference
A conference that took place in Geneva, Switzerland in order to unify Vietnam. As a result of the conference, the Geneva Accords were created. These documents temporarily separated Vietnam at the 17th parallel. North Vietnam and South Vietnam were created. -
Kennedy Assassination
John F. Kennedy was assassinated, this leads to Johnson taking over and making further decisions about war. -
Tonkin Resolution
President Johnson announced that two American destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin had been hit with North Vietnamese torpedo boats. Two days later, more American ships were attacked. Congress soon passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution which authorized the president to take all necessary measures to repel armed attacks on the US. -
Operation Rolling Thunder
Operation Rolling Thunder is the name given to a sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam. Johnson wanted to expand the United State’s involvement in the war. This operation became known as the most intense air/ground battle in the Cold War period. -
Doves and Hawks were established
America was torn in two groups during the Vietnam war. One group was the doves, who just wanted peace and the troops to be withdrawaled. The Hawks were the people who wanted to increase the number of troops in Vietnam so America would win. -
Tet Offensive
The Vietcong and North Vietnamese launched a surprise attack on the American air bases in South Vietnam and South Vietnam's major cities and capitals. Known as the site of the bloodiest battle, It took almost 4 weeks for the American forces to push them out. After forcing the guerilla fighers out, they found mass graves filled with thousands of the city’s political and religious leaders, along with people associated with South Vietnam’s government. -
Nixon takes over presidency
Nixon ran for president in 1968. He spoke about crime rates that were too high, and said that, "new leadership will end the war and win the peace in the Pacific." Nixon never gave any specific details on what he would do to help the conflict in Vietnam. -
Operation Menu
Operation Menu is authorized by President Nixon for the secret bombing of Cambodia by B-52s. The purpose was to target North Vietnam’s supply sanctuaries located along the border of Vietnam. -
Vietnamization
Nixon announced his decision to withdraw troops, but emphasised that this was not a form of surrender. Nixon still wanted to have a strong American presence in Vietnam for bargaining power. -
Withdrawal of US Troops
The first of 14 groups of men were sent home from Vietnam. Withdrawal of troops stretched form 1969-1972. -
Nixon Doctrine made public
The Nixon Doctrine advocates U.S. military and economic assistance to nations who are struggling against Communism, but no more Vietnam-style ground wars involving American troops. The emphasis is placed on local military self-sufficiency that is backed by U.S. air power to assure security. -
Ho Chi Minh Trail Bombed
B-52 bombers strike the Ho Chi Minh Trail in order to protest the increasing number of Viet Cong raids in South Vietnam. -
Kent State Shooting
Protests over the invasion of Cambodia started on the Kent State University campus. The Ohio National Guard entered onto the campus with tear gas and rifles. They fired on the protesters without any order to do so. Four student were killed, and nine were wounded. -
Agent Orange use is halted
The use of Agent Orange, a jungle defoliant, is halted. Scientist began to study the effects that Agent Orange had on the environment and civilians. -
Congress Repeals Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Congress repealed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution because they were getting upset that the president was giving troops orders without informing congress first. -
26th Amendment
The 26th amendment prohibits the federal government to deny the rights of anyone 18 or older to vote. The press to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 had been continuous since the 1960s. It took 3 months and 8 days to get this amendment ratified. -
Paris Peace Accords
The Paris Peace Accords were created to establish peace in Vietnam and end the United State’s involvement. They were also made to temporarily cease fire between North and South Vietnam. -
War Powers Act
The War Powers Act was passed by congress to reestablish limits on the president’s power to take all necessary measures to repel armed forces without the consent of congress. The president is now required to inform congress of any new commitment of troops within 48 hours. -
South Vietnam Surrendered
The US had withdrawn their troops, and without America behind them, South Vietnam was nothing. North Vietnam had captured their leader and taken over most of South Vietnam. Their president gave them orders to surrender. -
Vietnan Surrenders to Communists
North Vietnam had surrounded Saigon on April 27, 1975, and planned to do a complete take over. On April 30, 1975, North Vietnam attacked and met little resistance. The leaders met. Tin explained to Minh that there is nothing left to worry about; their country was no longer at war.
