13.2

Japan Surrenders to the Allies

1945

Japan’s surrender ended World War II and left Vietnam in a power vacuum. Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam independent, leading to future conflict.

Battle of Dien Bien Phu

1954

The French were defeated by the Viet Minh, ending French colonial rule in Indochina and leading to the Geneva Accords.

Geneva Accords

1954

This agreement divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel into North and South, setting the stage for civil war.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

1964

Alleged attacks on U.S. ships by North Vietnamese forces led to increased U.S. involvement through the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.

Tet Offensive

1968

A major surprise attack by the Viet Cong during the Vietnamese New Year weakened U.S. public support for the war.

Vietnamization Announced by Nixon

1969

President Nixon’s strategy to gradually withdraw U.S. troops and transfer war efforts to South Vietnamese forces.

Paris Peace Accords

1973

Peace agreement that led to the withdrawal of U.S. troops, though fighting continued between North and South Vietnam.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedicated

1982

The memorial in Washington, D.C. honored those who served and died in Vietnam, helping the U.S. begin to heal from the war.