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End of World War II
Japan withdraws its forces from Vietnam, leaving it in control of the French-educated Emperor Bao Dai. Viet Minh forces (whose formation was inspired by Chinese and Soviet communism seized Hanoi and declared Ho Chi Minh as the ppresident of the new Democratic Republic of Vietnam. -
U.S. gives military aid to the French
The U.S. recognizes the Republic of Vietnam, and gives $15 in military aid to the French. This marks the beginning of American involvement in Vietnam. -
The French surrender
The battle of Dien Bien Phu decided the defeat of the French by Viet Minh. The Geneva Accords then split Vietnam along the 17th parallel, with North Vietnam controlled by Ho Chi Minh, and South Vietnam controlled by Bao Dai. -
U.S. pledges support to South Vietnam
The Cold War hardened the U.S. to any Soviet sympathizers, so by 1955, the U.S. was giving firm support to Ngo Ding Diem. He, with help from the U.S. military, tracked down and executed Viet Minh sympathizers in South Vietnam. -
National Liberation Front formed
Opponents of Diem's regime, both communist and non-communist, formed the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, or the National Liberation Front. Their efforts escalated the conflict in Vietnam. -
First U.S. combat death
The first U.S. soldier is killed in combat in Vietnam. This marks the true beginning of the Vietnam War for many Americans. -
U.S. increases their forces in Vietnam
The Domino Theory, which suggests that if one country falls to communism, more will follow, motivated U.S. President John F. Kennedy to increase the U.S. military pressence in South Vietnam up to some 9,000 troops. -
South Vietnamese protests and Buddhist monk suicides
Many in South Vietnam, including Buddhist monks, expressed serious dissatisfaction with the South Vietnamese government, religious intolerance, and discriminatory policies. The protests and suicides suggested a problem with American support for the South Vietnamese government. -
Ngo Ding Diem is overthrown
Diem's own generals succedded in overthrowing his regime and executing him and his brother. The U.S. supported this and recognized General Duong's military rule, but the political upset persuaded the U.S. to increase military and economic support. -
First U.S. combat units arrive
Following a Viet Cong attack on a U.S. Air Force base in South Vietnam, President Johnson, with solid public support, sent the first U.S. combat forces into battle in Vietnam. -
First mass anti-Vietnam War demonstration
This shows the American public's unrest and division over U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War. -
Tet Offensive
Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces attack the U.S. and months of heavy fighting ensue. This is ultimately a defeat for the NLF and Viet Cong, but is a blow for the public support for the war in the U.S. -
My Lai Massacre
American soldiers massacre hundreds of civilians in My Lai in Vietnam. Shortly after this, President Johnson's advisors urge him to end the war. -
Nixon announces Vietnamization
U.S. President Nixon announces his intention to train and transition South Vietnamese troops to take over the roles that had been filled by the U.S. military, and promises to bring home American soldiers. -
End of Vietnam War for U.S.
The last American combat soldiers finally leave Vietnam, where over 3 million Americans served, nearly 60,000 died, some 150,000 wer ewounded, and at least 1,000 went missing in action.
