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Included Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. French colonists built plantations for the export of products such as rice and rubber. Freedoms of those living in Vietnam were limited, and nationalists were jailed.
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Led by Ho Chi Minh, these nationalists believed that a communist revolution was the only way to take back what they had lost from France. Ho Chi Minh was exiled from the country, while in the USSR and China he worked on a plan to secure Vietnam's independence. -
French remained in charge for the most part, but Japan set up military bases to strike against Allies in Southeast Asia. The Japanese military kept a presence in Vietnam until their surrender in August of 1945.
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Similar to the Indochinese Communist Party in that members wanted to be free from foreign influence. Was led by Ho Chi Minh as well. After Japan's defeat, their goal felt suddenly realistic. -
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President Truman decided to help France in their fight to keep Vietnam, as it would help with the containment of communism. The next year, Truman sent $15 million in aid to France. Over the course of four years, the US spent $1 billion in supporting France's efforts.
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Joseph Stalin promised North Korean leader Kim Il-sung support and resources, thus beginning the three-year conflict known as the Korean War. -
US entered the war to stop the spread of communism and to preserve the democratic Republic of Korea. Approximately 128,650 US casualties and $30 billion.
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French forces were overcome by Vietnamese soldiers at northern outpost Dien Bien Phu.
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Representatives of sixteen countries including France, the US, Vietnam met in Switzerland to come to a peace agreement. The Geneva Accords were created and approved, temporarily dividing the country across the 17th Parallel. Ho Chi Minh and his fellow communists led South Vietnam. An election was called for to unite the country in 1956.
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Known as the Vietcong by most, they attacked the opposing Vietnamese government backed by the US. -
As suggested by the name, Ho Chi Minh backed the NLF and supplied weapons through a network of paths along the borders of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Little preventative action was taken by foreign governments. -
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After attacking Buddhists, Southern Vietnam leader Ngo Dinh Diem was taken from power by a US-backed military coup. Contrary to what was planned, Diem was assassinated. The south became increasingly unstable as leader after leader attempted to take the reigns. All the while, the NLF gained support throughout the country. -
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In August of 1964, a North Vietnamese boat fired a torpedo at the destroyer the USS Maddox. The attack missed, but the Maddox retaliated, destroying the opposing ship. Attacks continued to be reported, and in reaction to this President Johnson ordered the launch of bombing strikes on the north. The Tonkin Gulf Resolution was then passed, which allowed Johnson military powers in Vietnam. This did not qualify as a formal declaration of war.
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