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Japan surrendered to the Allies
Japan's surrender to the Allies marked the end of WWII and had political effects on Indochina, particularly Vietnam. The event created an opportunity for Vietnamese nationalists to push for independence, and it falls under the political category because it shifted power and government in that region. -
Battle of Dien Bien Phu
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was a military victory for Vietnamese Viet Minh forces over the French, leading to the end of the French colonial rule in Indochina and the Geneva Accords. This event falls under the military category because it was an armed conflict that altered the course of the war. -
Geneva Accords
The Geneva Accords temporarily divided Vietnam along the 17th parallel. North Vietnam was controlled by Ho Chi Minh and the Vietminh while South Vietnam was led by anti-communist Ngo Dinh Diem with a pro-Western regime. This event falls under the political category since it involved international negotiations and agreements which shaped politics in Vietnam. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
The Gulf of Tonkin Incident involved alleged attacks on United States Navy ships by North Vietnamese forces. This led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution which allowed the president to take all necessary actions to repel any armed attack against US forces. The event falls under the military category since it involved naval actions and increased military intervention in Vietnam. -
Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive was a series of surprise attacks throughout South Vietnam made by Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces on the Tet holiday. US and South Vietnamese forces repelled the enemy troops, however, the event largely impacted the American public opinion and made many criticize the war. This was a military event because of the strategic attacks and impact on the war. -
My Lai Massacre
An American platoon massacred unarmed South Vietnamese civilians in the hamlet of My Lai, most of the victims being old men, women, and children. This event falls under the military category because it was a horrific act committed by the US military during wartime. In addition, the event had huge political consequences and affected people's perceptions of the war. -
Paris Peace Talks
The United States, North Vietnam, and South Vietnam negotiated an agreement at the Paris Peace Talks. The US agreed to remove troops and both sides agreed to exchange prisoners of war. This is a political event because it involved negotiations and agreements meant to resolve the conflict. -
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial dedicated in Washington, D.C.
The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. to honor the members of the US armed forces who died or went missing in action during the Vietnam war. This event falls under the political category because it is meant to recognize sacrifices made during the war.