Major Historical Events Leading to the Vietnam War

By BK.2020
  • ICP

    ICP

    Ho Chi Minh founds the Indochinese Communist Party.
  • Viet Minh

    Viet Minh

    ICP organizes a guerrilla force, Viet Minh, in response to invasion by Japan during World War II.
  • Rise to Power

    Rise to Power

    The Viet Minh seizes power. Ho Chi Minh announces Vietnam's independence.
  • The French Attack

    The French Attack

    French forces attack Viet Minh in Haiphong in November, sparking the war of resistance against the colonial power.
  • Recognition

    Democratic Republic of Vietnam is recognized by China and USSR.
  • Geneva Conference

    Geneva Conference

    Viet Minh forces attack an isolated French military outpost in the town of Dien Bien Phu. The attempt to take the outpost lasts two months, during which time the French government agrees to peace talks in Geneva. Vietnam is split into North and South at Geneva conference.
  • South Advances

    South Advances

    South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem begins campaign against political dissidents.
  • The Spread of Communism

    The Spread of Communism

    Beginning of Communist insurgency in the South.
  • The Spread of Weapons

    The Spread of Weapons

    Weapons and men from North Vietnam begin infiltrating the South.
  • American Influence

    American aid to Diem increased.
  • American Influence II

    American Influence II

    Number of US military advisors in South Vietnam rises to 12,000.
  • War

    War

    Viet Cong, the communist guerrillas operating in South Vietnam, defeat units of the ARVN, the South Vietnamese Army. President Diem is overthrown and then killed in a US-backed military coup.