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Diem’s Assassination
The president of South Vietnam was assassinated by his generals, as they were not happy with his leadership for a while. His death created conflict in the country and further involved the U.S. in the war. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Ngo Dinh Diem". Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Feb. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ngo-Dinh-Diem. Accessed 28 April 2025. -
My Lai Massacre
American troops killed numerous innocent Vietnamese civilians in My Lai village. News of this horrific incident, plus military attempts to cover up what was done, caused lots of protests against the war as well as a loss of trust in the American military. American Experience, PBS. (2018, April 24). Evidence of the massacre at My Lai. American Experience | PBS.
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/mylai-massacre-evidence/ -
The Draft Lottery
The government started picking birthdates at random to decide who got sent to Vietnam. It sparked outrage across the country, especially among young people who didn’t want to fight. Vietnam Lotteries : Selective Service system. (n.d.).
https://www.sss.gov/history-and-records/vietnam-lotteries/#:~:text=A%20lottery%20drawing%20%E2%80%93%20the%20first,%2C%20and%20December%2031%2C%201950. -
Paris Peace Accords Signed
After years of fighting, the U.S. finally agreed to pull out of Vietnam. The deal ended America’s combat role, but South Vietnam was left on its own. American Experience, PBS. (2019, August 14). Paris Peace talks and the release of POWs. American Experience | PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/honor-paris-peace-talks-and-release-pows/ -
Fall of Saigon
The North Vietnamese then captured Saigon, South Vietnam's capital. The war ended on this day, as a result, all of the American soldiers left when they captured it. Vietnam then became a communist country. Swift, John. "Fall of Saigon". Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Apr. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/event/Fall-of-Saigon. Accessed 29 April 2025.