Vietnam War

Dien Bien Phu is overrun by the Vietminh

May 7, 1954

The Vietminh overran the French stronghold at Dien Bien Phu. This victory by the Vietminh signaled the end of French influence in Veitnam. This also led to Veitnam being divided at the 17th parallel.

Diem refuses to take part in the election

Aug 31, 1955

Knowing that the popular communist leader, Ho Chi Minh would probably win the election to unite Vietnam, Diem didn't participate in the election.

U.S. supported coup of Diem

Nov 2, 1963

Frustrated with how Diem was leading the South Vietnamese, the U.S. supported a coup that toppled Diem from his seat of power and they later killed him too.

Operation Rolling Thunder Begins

Mar 1, 1965

The U.S. millitary began its first offensive in Veitnam by bombing North Vietnamese targets to make their capibilities to wage war against the states less effective.

My Lai Massacre

Mar 1, 1968

A company of American soldiers brutally killed the majority of the population of the South Vietnamese village of My Lai. It is believed that as many as 500 people including women, children and the elderly were killed in the massare.

Nixon Wins the Election

Nov 5, 1968

Nixon wins the 1968 election promising the public to get the U.S. out of the conflict in Veitnam.

Fall of Saigon

Apr 30, 1975

North Veitnamese troops marched into the South's presidential palace and forced to surrender of the South Veitnamese to the North.