-
The Start of the War
Vietnam is backed by the Americans in the anti-colonial war against France that results in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia becoming independent countries -
Refusal for Unification
Divide within Vietnam becomes apparent between the anti-communist South and the communist North. South Vietnam (backed by America) refuses to hold unification elections. -
Beginning of Battle
Communist North Vietnam begin actual warfare by leading Guerrilla (vietcong) to battle agains the south Vietnam Government. -
Increasing American Involvement
American troops increased to 16,300 in Vietnam shortly after South Vietnam loses the fertile ground of the Mekong Delta to the Vietcong -
First Air Strikes
President Lyndon B Johnson orders the first Air Strikes over northern Vietnam. -
Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive, especially the Battle of Hue turned American citizens agains the war, this was a major psychological victory for the Vietcong. By this point there are 536,000 ground troops from the United States alone. -
Nixon for President
Running against Hubert Humphrey, Richard M Nixon won in the 1968 elections to become the 37th president. -
Cambodia Bombings
President Nixon sends US bombs over Cambodia for the first time to attack suspected communist base camps and supply areas. -
Death of Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh ("bringer of light") leader of the communist in Vietnam since begiinging of the movement, dies. Although in loose alliance with the Americans during World War II he fought against them and South Vietnam for Communism. -
My Lai Massacre
Media coverage of the My Lai massacre that had actually occurred on March 16, 1968 is published in America and sparks many anti-war demontsrations. -
The Draft
The first draft since 1942 for registrants born from January 1, 1944 to December 31, 1950 (18-26 range). The first date called is September 14. -
Kent State Shootings
Members of the Ohio National Guard open fire at Kent State University into a croud of demonstrators injurng and killing students. This triggered a nationwide student strike that shuts down many universities. -
Pentago Papers
Pentagon Papers are published for the first time in the New York Times, they confirmed many American Suspicions that the acitve role of the US Government in Vietnam was building more conflict instead of preventing it. -
Bombing at Hanoi
Christmas bombing at Hanoi and much of the rest of Northern Vietnam (called Operation Linebacker) was Presidnet Nixon's attempt at hastening the end of the Vietnam War -
Cease-Fire
Cease-Fire agreed on, to take effect on January 27 at Midnight. Called for release of all American Prisoner of War within 60 days and marks the end of American Involvement in the Vietnam War.
