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Creation of Democratic Republic of Vietnam
On September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh officially declared independence. Vietnam had been colonized by the French before World War II. After their loss, the French pulled out of the region, and independence was declared! -
Declaring of the Republic of Vietnam
After the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam's leader, Ho Chi Minh, officially declared Vietnam's independence from France. Ho Chi Minh signed the Proclamation of Independence, overall having the same idea as the U.S. constitution, in which "all men are created equal." Vietnam officially become its own once the declaration was signed. Although this was good for Vietnam, much more violence and separation was to come soon. -
Creation of the 17th parallel between North and South Vietnam
This was the line that divided North Vietnam from South Vietnam. It was established by the Geneva Conference. This line divided both democratic and communist governments, only temporarily. Later, becoming irrelevant after the war ended. -
Battle of Dien Bien Phu
This Battle was one of the beginnings in Vietnam culture. In 1954, Ho Chi Minh won his troops against the French. This overall brought an end to French colonial rule in Vietnam, and forever changed its legacy. After 4 whole, long months, with few supplies given to the French, they had officially lost the battle. -
Establishment of the National Liberation Front
The National Liberation Front was made in tact to reunite both South and North Vietnam together. In hopes of overthrowing the South Vietnamese government, the establishment created a communist government and organization. The armed forces was named Viet Cong by South Vietnamese and Americans, and that military began to grown in preparation for many battles to come along the way. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident and Resolution
The Gulf of Tonkin Incident was one many believe to be a fake attack by North Vietnamese ships against the U.S.S. Maddox and U.S.S. C. Turner Joy. This event fake or not was what led the United States into military involvement within the Vietnam War. On August 7th, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was passed. It was made in steps to increase the U.S. involvement between both North and South Vietnam. -
Operation Rolling Thunder
Operation Rolling Thunder was made in hopes of destroying Viet Cong's military bases and parts of their jungle. Agent Orange was used and sprayed and contaminated jungle fields, along with waves of an American bombing campaign. The United States hoped to end communism through Vietnam, and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic war (in which they knew Vietnam had dangerously charged weapons to use against them). -
US combat troops arrive in Vietnam
3,500 Marines arrived in Vietnam in order to protect the US against Viet Cong forces. The United States was scared of communism spreading elsewhere and decided it was time to help South Vietnam. Although, troops were fighting before this time, this was the first official group of soldiers sent by Johnson. Johnson's plan was now to protect troops against attacks coming from enemy forces. -
Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive were surprise attacks by Vietcong troops on South Vietnam. They hit metropolitan centers and American bases and embassies in order to gain control of Sothern Vietnam. The attacks were done under the control of the North Vietnamese government and 85,000 troops were sent. This event ended up becoming a victory for communists. -
My Lai Massacre
347-504 citizens of the My Lai village were killed by US troops, led by Lieutenant Calley. The people of My Lai, were suspected of hiding Viet Cong fighters. Because of this nearly 100 soldiers were ordered to set the village on fire. Officer Hugh Thompson and his crew evacuated citizens and tried to get solders to stop, but it was too late. Later, Lt Calley was led to premeditated murder and underaged a 10 year sentence in jail. This event will forever be remember as an unjust occurrence. -
1968 Democratic National Convention
After the assassinations of both Martin Luther King Jr. and President Kennedy, tensions were high. Members of the Youth International Party entered Chicago to protest against the war, racism, and other national crisis'. Policemen, guardsmen, and people of the armed forces were told to keep peace even if it meant by physical restraint. Hundreds of people were injured and the once thought of "peaceful protest" became a dangerous riot. -
1968 Presidential Election
In a race between Nixon, Rockefeller, and Reagan, Nixon ran the lead in the election. He denounced segregation, gained support of North Carolina's senator, gained the votes of the the "Silent Majortiy" and the blue-collar workers. He promised an end to war and reformation of the Supreme Court. The American people fell for Nixon's ways and he later ended up winning, becoming the 37th president of the United States. -
Tinker v. Des Moines
In Iowa at a public school, students protested against the Vietnam War by wearing black armbands. Students were suspended, and parents complained about the rights to freedom of speech, even at school. Later, the case was gone to court, and appeals agreed with the school (in that the protest shouldn't be completed at school). Many against the protest were fearful of this compromising a public learning environment for students with different opinions. -
Woodstock 1969
Woodstock of 1969, was a three day event in Bethel, New York, that was a major part in the period of counterculture. Marijuana, LSD, alcohol were all substances that were consumed during the cold, rainy, and dreary event. As the country's division and violence was getting worse by the minute, this event was made for Americans to escape the fears and social injustices they faced. This was a moment for all Americans black or white, pro war or against war, to unite and become one nation. -
Kent State University Protest
On May of 1970, students of Kent State University, protested against the Vietnam War and the United States' involvement, in which protesters thought wasn't necessary. The Ohio National Guard fired, killing four and wounding nine. This day was sought to symbolize a the country's division and political indifferences. It sparked multiple problems as tensions after this only got worse. -
Jackson State College Protest
11 days after the Kent State protests, another was done at Jackson State. The intent was against racial injustice, but things got out of hand. Protesters threw rocks and bottles at windows, and police started to fire. Two people were killed and twelve were injured. This was yet another protest the United States will forever remember. -
Pentagon Papers
On June 13, 1971, the "New York Times" released a report on the Pentagon Papers. The papers leaked secrets and classified information about the Vietnam War and its involvement throughout multiple presidencies. Military aid to France was given, military assistance to Vietnam, broad commitment to the war, and waged military against North Vietnam were all secrets the American people had no idea about or were lied to. The source for the paper's publication was Daniel Ellsberg, who was against war. -
Watergate
In 1972, at the Democratic Headquarters at the Watergate hotel and office complex, burglars entered in looks to gain more information on the next election and the candidate running against Nixon. Investigators sought this to be connected with Nixon. Later they found Nixon had payed the burglars (also CIA and FBI agents) to scope out some secret information. This event led to multi consequential positions and changed the reliability of the White House, and president for good. -
1973 Paris Peace Accords
The Paris Peace Accords were made in order to end direct role of the U.S. and end the war all together. This accord was signed by both North and South Vietnam, as well as the United States. The accord promised a release to prisoners of war and withdrawnment through the military, in order for there to be peace through Vietnam and the United States. -
United States vs. Nixon
After Nixon was thought to be guilty for offering burglars money to break into the Democratic National Committee, a hearing was done. Discussions of the deal were tape recorded. With the charges against Nixon, the public wanted the tapes that could show if Nixon was telling the truth or not. He refused multiple times, when Congress decided to impeach him, but before they could do so, Nixon resigned. Later the tapes were released, and Nixon was convicted of the crime. -
Fall of Saigon
The Fall of Saigon was an event that turned around the war for North Vietnam. Saigon was America's military headquarters. Parts of Saigon were destroyed in the fighting of the war in 1968. Later, on April 30, 1975, North Vietnam captured Saigon. At least 108 were killed and this earlier U.S. territory was renamed Ho Chi Minh City.