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French Withdraws From Vietnam
The Geneva Accords creates a cease-fire for the peaceful withdrawal of the French from Vietnam and provides a temporary boundary between North and South Vietnam at the 17th parallel. -
Republic of Vietnam Established
South Vietnam declares itself the Republic of Vietnam, with newly elected Ngo Dinh Diem as president. -
National Liberation Front Established
The National Liberation Front (NLF), also called the Viet Cong, is established in South Vietnam. -
South Vietnam President Executed
South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem is executed during a coup. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
North Vietnamese attack two U.S. destroyers sitting in international waters (the Gulf of Tonkin Incident). -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
In response to the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, the U.S. Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. -
Operation Rolling Thunder
A sustained U.S. aerial bombing campaign of North Vietnam begins (Operation Rolling Thunder). -
US Troops Arrive
The first U.S. combat troops arrive in Vietnam. -
Tet Offensive
The North Vietnamese join forces with the Viet Cong to launch the Tet Offensive, attacking approximately one hundred South Vietnamese cities and towns. -
Mai Lai Massacre
U.S. soldiers kill hundreds of Vietnamese civilians in the town of Mai Lai. -
General William Westmoreland Replaced
General William Westmoreland, who had been in charge of the U.S. troops in Vietnam, is replaced by General Creighton Abrams. -
US Troops Increase
U.S. troops in Vietnam reaches 540,000. -
US Troops Withdraw
President Nixon orders the first of many U.S. troop withdrawals from Vietnam. -
Ho Chi Minh Dies
Communist revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh dies at age 79. -
Mai Lai Massacre Goes Public
The American public learns of the Mai Lai massacre. -
Attacks Spark Protests
President Nixon announces that U.S. troops will attack enemy locations in Cambodia. This news sparks nationwide protests, especially on college campuses. -
Pentagon Papers Published
Portions of the Pentagon Papers are published in The New York Times. -
Easter Offensive
The North Vietnamese cross the demilitarized zone (DMZ) at the 17th parallel to attack South Vietnam in what became known as the Easter Offensive. -
Paris Peace Accords Signed
The Paris Peace Accords are signed that provide a cease-fire. -
US Exits the War
The last U.S. troops are withdrawn from Vietnam.
