Vietnam War 1954-1980

Vietnam War

Period: Jan 1, 1954 to Dec 31, 1980

Geneva Accords concluded

Jul 21, 1954

This agreement efectively devided vietnam along the 17th parallel and set the stage for increasing American involvment in Vietnam

U.S. offers military aid to South Vietnam

Jan 1, 1955

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html</a>
For the first time the U.S. becomes involved in what will become the Vietnam war, this involvment included shipments of equipment, money and an offer to train South Vietnam's Army.

American advisers arrive in Vietnam

Feb 1, 1955

This arrival U.S. servicemen were the beginning you direct American invlovment in Vietnam that would escalate into one of America's longest wars.

Resolution 15

Jan 1, 1959

http://www.vietnamgear.com/war1959.aspx</a>
With this resolution by North Vietnam's central executive Committee, North Vietnam offically switched from political stragey to resolve the issue to a strategy of armed conflict.

First Americans Killed

Jul 8, 1959

These deaths were the first of many in this conflict and would lead to a direct American combat role in Vietnam.

Over throw and assination of President Diem

Nov 1, 1963

http://www.vietnamgear.com/war1963.aspx
Shift in power in South Vietnam that began to accelerate American combat involvment in the Vietnam war.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Aug 7, 1964

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1961.html</a>
This provided the legal basis that was needed for a direct combat role in vietnam, which allowed the Johnson administration do actively deploy combat troops in role other than strictly advising and covert operations.

Arrival of first combat troops

Mar 8, 1965

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1965.html</a>
The Arrival of these 3500 Marines were the first American combat troops to arrive in Vietnam at China Beach to defend the air base at Da Nang, joininf over 20,000 American military advisers that were already in country.

Battle of Ia Drang Valley

Nov 14, 1965

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1965.html</a>
First major battle involving American combat troops and elements of the North Vietnamese Army, the war is on and is a success for the American forces.

Tet Offensive

Jan 31, 1968

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1965.html</a>
A turning point in the war that caused a large shift in public opinion of the war.

Paris Peace Talks

May 10, 1968

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1965.html</a>
These peace talks that would not conclude for another 5 years gave hope that the war ould quickly be resolved and signalled tht the U.S. government was looking for away to end the war

Battle at Hamburger Hill

May 10, 1969

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1969.html</a>
The beginning of the end for American involment in Vietnam and last major search and destroy mission by American forces in Vietnam.

Withdraw of U.S. Marines

Apr 30, 1971

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1969.html</a>
Last U.S. Marine combat forces withdraw from Vietnam beginning the final chapter of American involvment in the war as an combatant.

Final withdraw of U.S. combat troops

Aug 23, 1972

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1969.html</a>
This was the end of the combat role for U.S. closing a very bloody chapter in American history.

Fall of Siagon

Aug 30, 1975

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1969.html</a>
on the morning of this day the U.S. embassy to South Vietnam is evacuated ending all American presence in Vietnam and the city falls later that day. With this the war is over in every respect.