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French defeat at Dien Bien Phu
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South Vietnam declares itself the Republic of Vietnam
The newly elected Ngo Dinh Diem as president during this time. -
John F. Kennedy elected President
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South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem is executed
It happened during a coup. -
Gulf of Tonkin incident
The USS Madox engaged three North Vietnamese Navy torpedo boats of the 135th Torpedo Squadron, and a sea battle was the result. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
In response to the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, the U.S. Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. -
Bombing of North Vietnam begins
U.S. planes bomb targets in North Vietnam. -
The North Vietnamese join forces with the Viet Cong
The launched the Tet Offensive, attacking approximately one hundred South Vietnamese cities and towns. -
Communist revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh dies
He dies at 79 years of age. -
Mai Lai massacre
The Americans learn about Mai Lai massacre. -
President Nixon announces that U.S. troops will attack in Cambodia
This news sparks nationwide protests, especially on college campuses. -
Pentagon Papers are published in The New York Times
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The Paris Peace Accords are signed
Which provides a cease-fire. -
The last U.S. troops are withdrawn from Vietnam
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South Vietnam surrenders to the communists
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Vietnam is unified as a communist country
They become the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
