Vietnam War

  • Period: to

    Timespan

  • Dien Bien Phu

    Vietnamese forces occupy the French command post at Dien Bien Phu. A 55 day battle ensues with the Vietnamese winning.
  • Geneva Accords

    The Geneva Accords creates a cease-fire and a peaceful withdrawl of the French from Vietnam. It also makes a temporay boundary between North and South Vietnam.
  • Vietcong Established

    Vietcong Established
    The Vietcong or National Liberation Front (NLF) is established in South Vietnam.
  • Operation Ranchhand

    Operation Ranchhand
    Operation Ranchhand begins. US planes spray Agent Orange and napalm on vegetation so it is difficult for Vietcong forces to ambush US troops.
  • Operation Chopper

    US Army pilots fly South Vietnamese soldiers into Saigon during Operation Chopper. It is the USA's first combat mission against the Vietcong.
  • South Vietnam President Assassinated

    South Vietnam's corrupt President, Ngo Dinh Diem is assassinated.
  • Gulf of Tonkin Incident

    The North Vietnamese supposedly attack two US destroyer in the Gulf of Tonkin. This fuels the authorization of the Gulf of Tonking Resolution.
  • Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

    The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution is signed which gives President Johnson the power to do whatever it takes to defend Southeast Asia.
  • Operation Rolling Thunder

    Operation Rolling Thunder
    President Johnson authorizes Rolling Thunder. It is a long bombing offensive on North Vietnam.
  • Chu Lai and Operation Starlite

    A deserter from the Vietcong informs the US of an attack planned on a Marine base at Chu Lai. The US launches Starlite and the fisrt major battle of the war ensues, with a resounding US victory.
  • Tet Offensive

    Tet Offensive
    North Vietnam launches the Tet Offensive into South Vietnam.
  • Cambodia Attacks

    Cambodia Attacks
    President Nixon announces that US forces will attack enemy locations in Cambodia. This sparks nationwide protests.
  • Kent State

    Kent State
    At a violent protest in Kent State, the National Guard fires on protesters, killing 4 college students.
  • Paris Peace Talks

    The United States officially comes to an agreement with Vietnam with the Paris Accords. They bring all troops out of vietnam.
  • All War Ceases in Vietnam

    The North Vietnamese invade South Vietnam just ten months after a ceasefire agreement. They take full control of the country.