Vietnam War: 1945-1980

Vietnam defeated Japan

Aug 15, 1945

With the help of the US, Vietnamh was able to defeat Japan. This was at the end of WWII.

Bio surrenders leadership to Ho Chi Minh

Aug 30, 1945

After the Viet Minh attack Emperor Bio, he surrenders his power to Ho Chi Minh, who becomes the new ruler of Vietnam

Bao Dai backed by France to be the leader of South Vietnam

Jul 21, 1949

After Vietnam declared independence, France regained control over South Vietnam. Bao Dai became the leader of the non-communist sector of Vietnam.

US contributes financially to Bio Dai's Government

Feb 4, 1950

China and Russia recognized Ho Chi Minh's communist government in the North. France and the US are backing South Vietnam in the war against communism. The US contributes 15 million dollars.

France Defeated at the battle of Dien Bien Phu

May 7, 1954

Viet Minh forces defeated France at the battle of Dien Bien Phu.

Geneva Accords

Jul 21, 1954

Ho became the leader of the North, and Bao remained the leader of the South (under French supervision). The latitude split was on the 17th degree. This is known as the Geneva Accords.

1st US deaths

Jul 8, 1959

The first two US military advisors are killed by guerilla soldiers in South Vietnam. These are the first deaths reported in a non-combat situation.

NLF created to defeat Diem (South Vietnam leader)

Dec 20, 1960

National Liberation Front is created to defeat Diem, the appointed president in Vietnam by Bao. Their soldiers, the Viet Cong are funded by the Viet Minh soldiers from the North.

Protest by South Vietnamese peoples against Diem

Jun 11, 1963

Monks self-immolate to protest about Diem's Regime. For many Americans, this begins uneasy fears of the causes of the War. People begin to question whether the US should be involved.

Diem Overthrown

Nov 1, 1963

Diem is overthrown by General Duong Van Minh with US encouragement. The United States recognizes the Generals military rule. 21 days later, Kennedy is assinated.

First US troops arrive in Vietnam

Mar 8, 1965

The first combat units arrive in Vietnam right after Operation Rolling Thunder under president Johnson. This operation was mean to disable North Vietnam transportation.

Protest at the Pentagon

Oct 21, 1967

Thousands of people protest against the war at the Pentagon. By the end of 1966 there are almost 400,000 troops in Vietnam, and about 6,000 killed. The general in charge, Westmoreland tries to be optimistic to the Public, but sees no near end to the war.

Tet offensive

Jan 31, 1968

The Viet Cong send a slew of attacks supported by North Vietnam. Although this comes as a shock to US soldiers, the Viet Cong end up losing 37,000 fighters. This event results in a severe loss in support from home.

Pease Talks

Apr 3, 1968

Ho Chi Minh declares he is ready to begin talking about peace. However, the US troop count continues to rise, and deaths continue to rise, as well.

Kent State Killings

May 4, 1970

Police open fire on Kent State College, killing four students. They were protesting the war. Feelings about the Vietnam war grow stronger, and the public starts to fear government control.

War Officially Over

Mar 29, 1973

All troops are removed from Vietnam. The war was the longest in history. Over 3 million American's served in the war, and there were nearly 60,000 deaths.

Siagon Falls

Apr 30, 1975

The South Vietnamese capitol falls to North Vietnamese soldiers. The war is over, and Ho Chi Minh has succeeded. The Times printed his face days later with the caption "The Victor"