-
-
After Japan surrendered to the Allies in 1945, they gave up control of Indochina. Ho Chi Minh quickly declared Vietnam;s independence and France lost a former colony. French troops returned to Vietnam and put them into hiding. The Vietnamese fought back and tool some big areas of the country back. France looked to America for help, America was hesitant but then decided to help so that Vietnam isn't lost to communism.
-
The Geneva Accords were negotiations to end the conflict an were held in Geneva, Switzerland. The Geneva Accords provided a temporary divide between Vietnam along the 17th parallel. Ho Chi Minh and the Vietminh controlled the North, while Ngo Dinh Diem held the South. The accords call for elections to be held in 1956 to reunite the country under a single government. -
Despite them having aid from the U.S., The French continued to struggle against the Vietminh, who used hit-and-run tactics. They blended in with the civilian population, which made it difficult for the armies to fight. However, this fight was turned around in the mountains of Dien Bien Phu, when they seized the town and planned to cut the Vietminh's supply and force them into battle.
-
Whilst in office, Kennedy continued his aid of South Vietnam , because he believed it was vital to the fight against communism. FRom 1961-1963, the number of U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam Jumped from 2,000 to around 15,000. The South Vietnamese created special villages known as hamlets, where they moved villagers to them, despite their hatred for being uprooted. This program was heavily disliked.
-
Diem was already disliked by many, but made this even worse when he banned the traditional flag for buddhism and openly discriminated against them. This led to a man pouring gasoline on himself and lighting himself on fire.These self immolation acts were televised to American citizens and America knew they needed to get rid of Diem. On November 1st, 1963, generals launched a military coupe to seixe power, and kill Diem shortyl after.
-
Just 3 weeks after the death of Diem, John F. Kennedy was assassinated as well. This passed down the presidency to President Lyndon B. Johnson, as well as the growing problems of Vietnam.
-
North Vietnamese torpedo boats had fired on two U,S destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin.Two days later, another attack had been reported. Johnson believed these attacks had been unprovoked and ordered American aircrafts to attack North Vietnamese ships and naval facilities. -
As Vietcong casualties mounted, North Vietnam began sending North Vietnamese army units to fight. They sent supplies and arms south by by way of a network of jungle paths, known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The trail went through Cambodia and Laos. President Johnson saw this as a problem and decided that they must wear them down by ridding them of their supplies. This led to a grisly amount of body counts and many dead.