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Independence
Ho Chi Minh declares the independence of Vietnam. Minh declares himself president. This date also marks the offical signing over of Vietnam to the French. This event was the beginning of the fight for independence. -
First Indochina War
Vietnam launches first attack on the French. This event marks the beginning of a war, which eventually lead to the Vietnam War. -
US Involvement
The U.S. involvement in the Indochina war begins when President Truman aids the French with $15 million. This event is significant because it is the first major action the U.S. takes towards the war in Vietnam. -
New U.S. President
Dwight Eisenhower becomes President of the United States. He increases the aid to the French, in order to prevent the Communist government from prevailing. -
French Surrender
The French surrender to the Vietnamese, allowing a Communist government to win. The U.S. had a fear of Communism because of the 'Red Scare', the U.S. had to depend on a non-communist leader to take control in Vietnam. -
17th Parallel
After the First Indochina War, Vietnam was divided on the 17th Parallel. This divded striked fear for U.S. officials becaus they feared that this would allow a communist leader to take over Vietnam. -
South Vietnam President
Prime Minister Diem is elected the Republic of South Vietnam's first president. President Eisenhower pledges his support and U.S. military aid. This started more U.S. involvrment in Vietnam. -
U.S. President Assassinated
President John F. Kennedy is assassinated and Vice President Johnson is inagurated as President. President Johnson decided to assist South Vietnam with boots on the ground. -
Gulf of Tonkin
North Vietnam attacked U.S. ships sitting in the Gulf of Tonkin. President Johnson ordered a counter attack after the incident. This got the U.S. military directly involved. The event also lead to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. -
U.S. Boots on the Ground
President Johnson sends the first set of U.S. troops to Vietnam. This day the U.S. offically joined the war in Vietnam. -
Tet Offensive
The first of a two day massacre known as the Tet Offensive. The Tet Offensive was a major surprise attack conducted by the North Vietnemese against South Vietnma and their allies. The South Vietnemese and their allies suffered tremendous losses. These attacks signify the turning point of the Vietnam war. Back in the U.S. support for the war was lacking. -
My Lai Massacre
U.S. soldiers killed over 300 Vietnamese civilians, most being children, women, and elderly men in My Lai. News of the massacredid not reach the U.S. until November of 1969. Lessening the support for the war exponentially. -
Paris Peace Talks
Peace talks begin in Paris between the U.S., NLF, and South Vietnam. These peace talks were conducted to try to end the ward in Vietnam. -
Parid Peace Accord
North Vietnam, South Vietnam and the U.S. signed the Paris Peace Accords. The Accords established a ceasefire, U.S. combat retreat, and release of POWs. This signified the ending of the Vietnam war. -
End of U.S. Involvement
U.S. troops were offically pulled out of Vietnam, ending the U.S. invovlement in the Vietnam war. The North and South Vietnam would now fight without U.S. intervention.
