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U.S. Support Coup of DIem
While President Kennedy was still in office, the U.S. supported an overthrow of Diem who was the leader of South Vietnam. Because of his harsh rule, the U.S. hoped the overthrow would help restore order and democracy to the region. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
On August 2, 1964 a North VIetnamese patrol boat fired on the USS Maddox. Two days later the Maddox fires back onto the patrol boats. To this day there is a contoversy on whether the partol boat atcually fired on the Maddox. -
Operation Rolling Thunder
Operation Rolling Thunder allowed for the first deployment of 50,000 U.S. troops in June. Troops were sent mainly to fight Vietcong and ensure that Southern Vietnam stayed in democratic hands. -
The Tet Offensive
Vietcong and North Vietnemese forces launched a suprise attack on South Vietnam and allied forces. The attack was mainly unexpected because it was the Vietnemese New Year know as "Tet." The strike showed many Americans that the war was far from over and would require many more years to win. -
Nixon Wins Election
Becaus of strong opposition to the fighting in Vietnam, President Nixon promised to install the plan of Vietnamization. This plan outlined the process of slowly withdrawling troops from Vietnam and letting the Southern Vietnemese take over the fighting. This plan would eventually fail and the U.S. would become more involved in the War. -
Woodstock Festival
Known as one of the largest concert gatherings of all time, Woodstock marked a major moment in music history and in the pursuit for peace. Nearly 400,000 people gathered to watch 32 bands in support for peace. -
Fall of Saigon
This day marked the taking over of Saigon and the North Vietnemese Victory. Following the end of the war, Vietnam became unified and governed by the Communist Party of Vietnam.
