-
Independence
Ho Chi Minh declares independence for Vietnam. The United States stands back and allows this to carry through. Viet Minh leaders proclaim the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, with Hanoi its capital and Ho Chi Minh its president. -
Diem Becomes President of the Republic of Vietnam
Diem defeats Bao Dai in rigged election and proclaims himself as the President of the Republic of Vietnam. This was after Diem attempted to negotiate with the Northern countries: Britain, United States, and France. Diem had continued to refuse to participate in nationwide elections. -
Rebellion
Communist rebellion activity in South Vietnam. Guerrilla assassinations of more than 400 South Vietnamese officials. -
Guerrilla Attack
Two United States servicemen killed in Guerrilla attack: Major Dale R. Buis & Master Sergeant Chester M. Ovnand. They were the first Americans killed in the Vietnam War by a Guerrilla strike. -
The True Beginning
North Vietnam imposes universal military conscription. John F. Kennedy is elected President of the United States. The U.S. increases its military advisors in South Vietnam from 327 to 685. Here is where the larger battles commence. -
Battle of Kienhoa Province
One of the first battles, 400 Guerrillas attack a village in Kienhoa Province. They are defeated by the South Vietnamese troops. -
Assassination of President Kennedy and Buddhist protest
President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on this day in Dallas, Texas. His death meant the problem of proceeding in Vietnam fell into the Vice President's hands, Lyndon B. Johnson. This is also the year when Buddhist Monks protested against Diem. Diem Government positions with Monks were being replaced with Catholics. Buddhist monks set themselves on fire in public places to protest. Diem is later overthrown and murdered by the South Vietnamese military. -
Gulf of Tonkin
North Vietnamese gunboats attack allegedly using torpedos at the U.S.S. Maddox. This starts the debate on the Gulf of Tonkin resolution. President Lyndon B. Johnson is approved by Congress to take whatever necessary actions against North Vietnam. In order to defend South Vietnam. -
Rolling Thunder
Operation "Rolling Thunder" deployed: this was sustained American bombing raids of North Vietnam, dubbed operation "Rolling Thunder". Nearly continuous air raids would go on for 3 years. This leads to Marines arriving in Danang to defend the United States airfield. -
Tet Offensive
Beginning on the Vietnamese Tet holiday, Viet Cong forces shock U.S. troops with a wave of attacks supported by North Vietnamese troops. Heavy fighting will continue for months. Ultimately, the Tet Offensive will be a catastrophe for the the Viet Cong, which lose 37,000 fighters. But it is also a serious blow for the United States, which loses 2,500 men. -
Vietnamization
The number of U.S. troops in Vietnam peaks at 543,000. President Richard Nixon announces his plan for "Vietnamization" of the war—that is, training and transitioning South Vietnamese troops to assume the roles that have been fulfilled by American troops—and promises to withdraw 25,000 American soldiers. -
Cambodia Invasion
After begin Elected in 1968, Richard Nixon becoms President of the United States. In 1970, Nixon begins secret bimbing of Cambodia. To destroy Communist supply routes to base camps in Cambodia, without the knowledge of Congress or the American public, this continued for 14 months. -
Watergate
Five men are caught burglarizing the headquarters for the Democratic National Committee, located at the Watergate hotel in Washington, D.C. Their arrests will set into motion the events that will eventually result in President Nixon's resignation. Later this year Nixon is Reelected into office proceeding to the release of U.S. POWs in Vietnam. -
Vietnam War Officially Ends
Representatives from South Vietnam, North Vietnam, and the United States sign a peace agreement where a ceasefire is declared, the United States agrees to bring back combat troops, and the government of South Vietnam promises to hold free elections for its people. North Vietnam releases nearly 600 American POWs. The Vietnam War is officially over for the United States. The last U.S. combat soldier leaves Vietnam, but military advisors and some Marines stay there for now. -
Saigon Falls
Hundreds of South Vietnamese civillians fleed and boarded a single U.S. helicopter. Later the North Vietnamese invade Saigon and thousands flee from their homes. The North Vietnamese take Saigon and the Vietnam War comes to an end.
