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Japan’s surrender ended World War II and left Vietnam in a power vacuum. Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam independent, leading to future conflict. -
The French were defeated by the Viet Minh, ending French colonial rule in Indochina and leading to the Geneva Accords. -
This agreement divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel into North and South, setting the stage for civil war. -
Alleged attacks on U.S. ships by North Vietnamese forces led to increased U.S. involvement through the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. -
A major surprise attack by the Viet Cong during the Vietnamese New Year weakened U.S. public support for the war. -
President Nixon’s strategy to gradually withdraw U.S. troops and transfer war efforts to South Vietnamese forces. -
Peace agreement that led to the withdrawal of U.S. troops, though fighting continued between North and South Vietnam. -
The memorial in Washington, D.C. honored those who served and died in Vietnam, helping the U.S. begin to heal from the war.