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.