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Battle of Dien Bien Phu
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu of the first Indochina War began the 13th of March, 1954. This was a significant battle between the French and Vietnamese because this was a turning point in realizing the French were being defeated. When the Battle ended May 7, 1954 with a Vietnamese victory the Indochina war followed right behind ending on August 1st that same year with a French defeat. -
Domino Theory Introduced
President Eisenhower gives his famous Domino Theory speech introducing the idea that if Vietnam fell into communism Southeast Asia would fall in to communism as well.
"Finally, you have broader considerations that might follow what you would call the 'falling domino' principle. You have a row of dominoes set up, you knock over the first one, and what will happen to the last one is the certainty that it will go over very quickly." -Dwight D. Eisenhower -
Diem wins Rigged Election
Ngo Dinh Diem won the election over the previous emperor Bao Dai. However, the election was clearly rigged. Diem recieved approx 386,000 votes over the total number of registared voters. -
Communist Activity in South Vietnam
Communist insurgency in South Vietnam begins. North Vietnam Guerrillas Soldiers invades and kills 400 of South Vietnam's officials. -
John F. Kennedy elected President
John F. Kennedy barely beats Richard Nixton in the presidential election. -
Vietcong Formed
The National Liberation Front (NFL) was formed. They opposed Diems as well as th U.S. forces. Diem declares them "Vietcong". -
Diem Survives Coup Attempt
The Republic of Vietnam Airforce sends two pilots to kill South Vietnamese President Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu by bombing the presidential palace. This attempt was unsuccessful, and Diem survived. -
Diem and Brother killed
Diem and his brother are both arrested and then assassinated. -
President Kennedy Assassinated
President Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas, Texas. This caused a problem for Vice President Lyndon Johnson because now all Vietnam decisions were his to make. -
US Offically enters Vietnam War
Soldiers from the 9th U.S. Marine Expeditionary Force beach at Danang, South Vietnam. These are the first troops deployed to battle in Vietnam. -
Lyndon B Johnson approves use of Napalm
President Johnson approved the use of Napalm in Vietnam war. This became a a living hell for the troops on both sides. A substance that became known from the Vietnam War. -
Martion Luther King Jr. speaks on Vietnam
Martin Luther King Jr. gives a speech on him being againt the war in Vietnam, he suggests the idea or merging anti-war and civil rights groups together. -
Tet Offensive Launched
One of the largest campaigns of the war, Vietcong and the People's Army of Vietnam against South Vietnam forces and the U.S. . This was a series of surprise attacks launched by the communists that lasted throughout February with series of battles. -
Battle of Hue
Known for being one of the bloodiest battles in the Vietnam war. The Army of the republic of Vietnam, The U.S. Army, Vietcong, and the People's Army of Vietnman battled. The aftermath of it was U.S. airstrikes were responisble for destroying 80% of the city of Hue. The U.S. Marine Corps won th battle. -
Richard Nixon wins Presidential Election
After Lydon B Johnson decides not to run for this election, Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey run against each other. Republican canidate Richard Nixon wins. -
Nixon begins Secret Bombing of Cambodia
Without approval from Congress Nixon authorizes the Secret Bombing of Cambodia to destroy communists base camps and supply routes. Dropping a total of 2.7 millon tons of bombs, and killing 500,000 people just from direct contact from bombing. This didnt become known to the U.S. public until 1973. -
Nixon Announces Biggest Troop Removal Yet
President Nixon announces that 70,000 troops will be taken home from Vietnam by May, making this the 7th withdraw. Leaving only 69,000 troops left. -
Military Draft Ends
The U.S. Military announces an end to the draft. This was a promise Nixon stated in his reelection campaign against anti-war opponent. -
War Officially Over for United States
The last of the American troops are taken from South Vietnam, only those who were United States installations stayed behind. The war is offically over for the U.S. . -
Nixon Resigns
President Nixon Resigns after Watergate Scandal. -
Vietnam War Offical Ends
North Vietnam entered the South Vietnam city of Saigon, there President of South Vietnam Duong Van Minh surrenders, and it falls into communism. The war is officially over. -
Jimmy Carter Elected President
Jimmy Carter is elected President of the United States. -
Vietnam Memorial Decided
Jimmy Carter approved the Vietnam Memorial to be built in honor of all of those who served in the Constitution Gardens in Washington D.C. .The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Fund (established by Congress, and created by a group of Veterans in 1979) were those who propsed the legislation.
