-
Period: 1500 to
French Colonization of Indochina
France gradually established control over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. This colonization led to economic exploitation, political repression, and the suppression of local cultures, fostering resentment and resistance among the Vietnamese population. -
Rise of Vietnamese Nationalism
Nationalist movements emerged, seeking independence from French rule. Leaders like Ho Chi Minh advocated for self determination, inspired by communist and socialist ideologies. -
Ho Chi Minh's Declaration of Independence
Following Japan's defeat in World War 2, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence. This declaration was not recognized by France, which sought to reestablish its colonial control. -
Period: to
First Indochina War
A conflict between France and the Viet Minh, Vietnamese independence movement led by Ho Chi Minh. The War ended with France's defeat at Dien Bien Phu. -
Period: to
U.S. Support for South Vietnam
The United States, fearing the spread of communism, supported the anti-communist government of South Vietnam. This support included financial aid, military advisors, and equipment. -
Period: to
Ngo Dinh Diem's Rule in South Vietnam
Diem established an authoritarian regime, alienating various segments of the population. His repression of Buddhists and political opponents fueled dissent and instability. -
Strategic Hamlet Program
A program by the South Vietnamese government and the U.S. to isolate rural populations from the Viet Cong. It involved relocating villagers into fortified settlements, but it proved unpopular and disruptive. -
Geneva Accords
Agreements that temporarily divided Vietnam into North and South at the 17th parallel. It called for elections within two years to reunify the country. -
Formation of the National Liberation Front (NFL)
Also known as the Viet Cong, the NFL was a South Vietnamese communist guerrilla organization. It aimed to overthrow Diem's government and unify Vietnam. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
A joint resolution passed by the U.S. Congress. It granted President Johnson broad authority to use military force in Southeast Asia without a formal declaration of war. -
Period: to
Operation Rolling Thunder
A sustained U.S. bombing campaign against North Vietnam. The goal was to weaken North Vietnam's ability to wage war and to boost morale in South Vietnam -
Period: to
Escalation of U.S. Ground Troops
President Johnson significantly increased the number of U.S. troops in Vietnam. This marked a major shift from providing aid and advisors to direct military intervention. -
Period: to
Gulf Of Tonkin Incident
Alleged attacks on U.S. Navy ships by North Vietnamese forces. This led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to escalate U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. -
Period: to
Anti-War Movement in the United States
As the war dragged on and casualties mounted, opposition to the war grew in the United States. Protests, demonstrations, and civil disobedience became increasingly common. -
Period: to
Tet Offensive
A series of surprise attacks by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces throughout South Vietnam. While a military defeat for the communists, it shocked the American public and eroded support for the war.