-
Eisenhower Announces Domino Theory
President Eisenhower said that if VIetnam falls to Communism, the rest of Southeast Asia will do the same. -
France and Vietnam form Geneva Peace Accords
France is forced to leave Vietnam, and Vietnam is divided into two. Elections are to be held in two years to reunify the country. -
Ho Chi Minh Returns to Take Control of North Vietnam
After hiding in the jungle for many years, Ho Chi Minh returns to formally take over his Communist government. -
US sends aid to South Vietnamese Soldiers
This is the first direct shipment of military aid. The US also offers to help train the South Vietnam Army. -
The Deadline for the Elections to Unify Vietnam Passes
The agreement at Geneva said that Vietnam would have an election within two years to unify the country. South Vietnam, with the support of the US, refuses to participate. -
Ho Chi Minh Trail is Built
A North Vietnamese Army Group is instructed to build a supply route from North Vietnam to the Vietcong in South Vietnam. The trail runs along the Vietnam/Cambodia border. -
President Kennedy Sends Military Advisors and a Helicopter Used to Help the South Vietnamese Army in Battle
After writting a letter to South Vietnam's leader, President Kennedy promises to help South Vietnam. He sends military advisors and helicopters used to transport and direct South Vietnam in battle. This involves Americans in combat operations. -
Operation Chopper
Helicopters flown by US army pilots bring South Vietnamese soldiers into battle. This is the first American combat mission against Vietcong. -
Operation Ranchhand Begins
This is when the US forces started using Agent Orange to uncover the locations of hidden Vietcong trails and traps. -
Congress Passes Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
US congress passes Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that gives President Johnson power to take whatever actions he needs to defend Southeast Asia. -
Operation Rolling Thunder
Over 100 American fighter bombers attack targets in North Vietnam. It was scheduled to last 8 weeks, but instead lasted for 3 years. -
President Johnson Orders Use of Napalm
Napalm is a petroleum based bomb that has hundreds of explosive pellets upon impact. -
Operation Crimp
This is the largest American operation of the war. Their goal is to locate the Vietcong's headquarters in the Saigon area, but they are unable to find anything. -
Operation Junction City
It was one of the largest air mobile assualts ever, where 240 helicopters hoping to detroy Vietcong bases and the military headquarters for South Vietnam. This operation ends after 72 days, with Americans capturing many stores, weapons, and equipment. -
Tet Offensive
This is the turning point in the war. This was a surprise attack by the Vietcong and North Vietnam army on many towns and villages in South Vietnam. This was shown to the American people and they were shocked to see it all on their TVs in graphic color. It takes away most of the public support. -
Operation Menu
President Nixon orders the secret bombing of Cambodia. He was targeting North Vietnamese supply centers located along the border. -
Kent State Killings
National Guard shoot and kill 4 students who were protesting the war. -
Jackson State Killings
2 students are killed at a violent protest against the war at Jackson State. -
Paris Peace Accords
The Paris Peace Accords are signed by the US, North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and the Vietcong. In this, the US agrees to withdraw all military within 60 days. Vietnam is still divided, and South Vietnam is governed by President Thieu and the Vietcong. -
Fall of Saigon
The last Americans leave Vietnam. Later, the South Vietnamese fall to North Vietnam. The war is over.
