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Period: to
The Vietnam War
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Geneva Accords
On this day, powers of the world came together in Geneva to discuss issues in Asia. The most prominent issue was the feud between communist Leader, Ho Chi Minh's power and the French over Vietnam. It was unlitmately decided in July, that the French would leave from North Vietnam. Vietnam was temporarily divided at the 17th Parallel. H. (2009). Geneva Conference begins. Retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/geneva-conference-begins -
South Vietnam Becomes a Republic, Diem Elected President
Ngo Dinh Diem conducts a rigged election against Emperor Bao Dai. As a result, Diem wins and declares himself president of the Republic of Vietnam.
H. (2009). Diem wins referendum in South Vietnam. Retrieved February 17, 2016, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/diem-wins-referendum-in-south-vietnam -
National Liberation Front and Viet Cong are Formed
Groups formed to work against Diem's Regime. Some participants were ex-Viet Minh guerilla soldiers. H. (2009). National Liberation Front formed. Retrieved February 17, 2016, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/national-liberation-front-formed -
War Begins for Many Americans
The first U.S. Combat death occurs. This event marks the beginning of the Vietnam War for many Americans. Shmoop Editorial Team. (2008). The Vietnam War Timeline of Important Dates. Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
Diem Survives Assassination Attempt
The South Vietnam presidential palace is bombed by Republic of Vietnam Air Force pilots in attempt to kill Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother to sieze the palace. H. (2009). Diem survives coup attempt. Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/diem-survives-coup-attempt -
Buddhist Immolation Protest
Thich Quang Duc, a buddhist monk, burns himself to death in protest against Diem, specifically against South Vietnam's religious intolerence of other religions and descrimination. H. (2009). Buddhist immolates himself in protest. Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/buddhist-immolates-himself-in-protest -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
As a result of the Gulf of Tonkin incident, in which North Vietnamese torpedo boats attacked the USS Maddox, President Johnson was given consent to be more involvedd in the Vietnam War.
H. (2009). Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. Retrieved February 17, 2016, from http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/gulf-of-tonkin-resolution -
Tet Offensive
The Viet Cong and North Vietnamese join forces to attack South Vietnam's seven largest cities and and thirty provincial capitals. Both sides faced heavy casualties, however the Viet Cong was defeated. -
My Lai Massacre
American Soldiers engage in a massacre of 200-500 people in a village called My Lai, believed to be holding sympathizers and supporters of the Viet Cong and the National Front for the Liberation of Vietnam. Initially they were expecting to be facing guerrila fighters but instead attacked unarmed civilians. The event became a huge scandal all over the world. H. (2010). My Lai massacre takes place in Vietnam. Retrieved February 17, 2016, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/my-lai-mas -
Cambodia Invasion
President Nixon announces attacks on enemies in Cambodia, the decision triggers protesters. Shmoop Editorial Team. (2008). The Vietnam War Timeline of Important Dates. Retrieved February 17, 2016, from http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
Kent State Incident
As a result of Nixon's announcment to launch an invasion on Cambodia, students at Kent State University in Ohio organized a protest demonstration involving setting the ROTC building on fire. In response, the Govenor sent 900 national guardsmen to the school. Some guardsmen opened fire on the students, killing four and wounding nine. H. (2009). Kent State Incident. Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/kent-state -
The Pentagon Papers Published
Daniel Ellsperg, an antiwar activist and former defense department analyst, sold previously classified "pentagon papers" to Time Magazing containing unreleased information about the U.S. decsion making process on Vietnam. The aftermath brought the issue to supreme court in which they ruled that the information had the right to be shared with the public. H. (2009). The New York Times publishes the “Pentagon Papers”. Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the -
Paris Peace Accords
An agreement of peace is made in Paris by the U.S., South Vietnam, Viet Cong, and North Vietnam. H. (2009). Paris Peace Accords signed. Retrieved February 17, 2016, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/paris-peace-accords-signed -
Vietnam War Ends
The last of the U.S. Combat troops leave Vietnam. American prisoners of war are released from the North. H. (2009). U.S. withdraws from Vietnam. Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-withdraws-from-vietnam -
The Fall of Saigon
Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam was seized by Northern Vietnam powers after South Vietnam's surrender. C N Trueman "The Fall Of Saigon"
historylearningsite.co.uk. The History Learning Site, 27 Mar 2015. 17 Dec 2015.
