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War Powers Act
A federal law was passed to limit the president's power when it comes to an armed conflict without the consent of the U.S. Congress. This was significant because it prevented further manipulation of presidential power when it came to foreign conflict. -
Domino Theory coined
President Dwight Eisenhower answered a press conference reporter's question, and his response was an introduction to the Domino Theory which suggested that the Vietnam War would escalate in the next two decades. This was significant because it underlined the importance of alliances. -
Geneva Accords
An agreement that was signed between France and Vietnam The French agreed to withdraw their troops from Northern Vietnam and Vietnam became temporarily divided. This was significant because it brought an end to the first Indochina War and marked the end of French influence in Southeast Asia. -
Assassination of Diem
President Diem and his brother were captured and killed by a group of soldiers. This is significant because the death led to a celebration in South Vietnam, but it also led to political chaos. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
A joint resolution of the United States stated that Congress approves and supports the determination of the President, as Commander in Chief, to take all necessary measures to repeal any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent any further aggression. This was significant because it effectively launched America's involvement in the Vietnam War. -
LBJ ordered 1st troops to Vietnam
LBJ sent 3,500 marines to Vietnam. This was significant because it was the first sign of commitment to fighting in the war from the United States. -
Tet Offensive
A coordinated attack from the North Vietnamese on more than 100 cities and outposts in South Vietnam. This is significant because it weakened the United States' public support for the war in Vietnam. -
My Lai Massacre
The massacre was an American mass murder of unarmed children, women, and old men in South Vietnam in the village of My Lai. This was significant because it fueled anti-war sentiment and divided the United States over the war. -
Nixon sends troops into Cambodia
Nixon sent troops to Cambodia with the intent of capturing COSVN, which was the headquarters of the entire communist military operation in South Vietnam. This was significant because it expanded America's war in Vietnam. -
Nixon’s Vietnamization policy
A strategy that Nixon suggested that involved building up South Vietnam's armed forces and withdrawing U.S. troops. This is significant because it prepared South Vietnam to defend itself against North Vietnam and allowed the United States to leave Vietnam honorably. -
Kent State Shooting
Members of the Ohio National Guard fired into a crowd of Kent State University demonstrators, killing four and wounding nine Kent State students. This is significant because it triggered a nationwide student strike that forced hundreds of colleges and universities to close. -
Hard Hat Riot
It started around noon when around 400 construction workers and around 800 office workers attacked around 1,000 demonstrators affiliated with the student strike of 1970. This is significant because it showed the anger America felt to the violence of the war and in society. -
Nixon's Christmas Bombing
A carpet bombing in Northern Vietnam lasted for 11 days. More than 20,000 bombs were dropped on villages and civilians. This was significant because it instilled fear in the Vietnamese people. -
Paris Peace Accords
The official agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam. The accords were signed by the U.S. and North and South Vietnam. This was significant because it effectively removed the U.S. from the conflict in Vietnam. -
Saigon Falls
The South Vietnamese capital of Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese Army, effectively ending the Vietnam War. In the days before, U.S. forces evacuated thousands of Americans and South Vietnamese. This is significant because it ended the war.