-
Domino Theory Coined
The Domino Theory is explained by Eisenhower as countries that are on the brink of communism where if one falls, so will the rest. The theory justified America's involvement in the Vietnam War as it expressed how it was necessary for America to help in order to prevent the spread of communism. -
Geneva Accords
When countries met together in Geneva in hopes of creating a peace agreement, they created the Geneva Accords. The Geneva Accords gave a roadmap for peace and reunification in Vietnam. They stated that Vietnam would become an independent nation and Vietnam would be temporarily divided between North and South for two years. The Accords ended up failing because there were many powerful nations that did not support it. -
Assassination of Diem
After an overthrow of Diem's government by South Vietnamese forces, Diem was assassinated by a group of soldiers. It was later revealed that American officials encouraged the generals to go through with the assassination plan. People in South Vietnam celebrated Diem's death but there also became more political chaos in the nation after the death. The U.S. became more heavily involved in Vietnam in attempts to help stabilize the South Vietnamese government. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
An attack on U.S. ships caused Johnson to ask for more powers from Congress. Johnson asked for more powers to repel against armed attacks and Congress passed the Tonkin Gulf Resolution. With these powers, Johnson had more broad military powers in Vietnam. It also rather marked America's full involvement in the Vietnam war. -
LBJ Orders 1st Troops to Vietnam
Johnson decided to increase America's role in Vietnam. He did this out of fear of a communist takeover of South Vietnam. Johnson was against the spread of communism and wanted to prevent it. After attacks on the U.S. ship Maddox, Johnson launched more bombing strikes on North Vietnam. In 1965, the first American troops were arriving in South Vietnam. Overall, people saw Johnson as a strong leader for their efforts to confront communism. -
Saigon Falls
The fall of saigon happened when the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese Army. It was seized and attacked by communist forces and then forced to surrender. U.S. forces evacuated many civilians and refugees in one of the largest helicopter evacuations ever.