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The Beginning
It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when the Vietnam War began for the United States. On July 21, 1954 the French, which were fighting in Vietnam for some time, decided to peacefully withdraw. This put South Vietnam in need of an allie. A few years later the United States sent troops to southeast Asia.
At this time the "17th Parallel" was also created, which divided Vietnam into the North and the South. This is an important event because without the French, South Vietnam was without support. -
The Rise of the Vietcong
The Vietcong Guerrillas were the cause of much headache for South Vietnam and their allies. On December 20, the Vietcong, or those loyal to the communist party, stationed themselves in the South. This was significant because the United States and South Vietnam would continue to fight this power for the whole length of the war. -
American Involvement Begins
Late in the year of 1961, U.S. president John F. Kennedy ordered more thatn 3,000 U.S. military personnel to South Vietnam to help them fight agaist the Vietcong Guerrillas stationed in the south. The importance of this event is that it formally began America's involvement of what would become the Vietnam War. -
Operation Chopper
U.S. helicopters help transport South Vietnam's soldiers to sweep a stronghold near Saigon, operated by the North. This operation marks America's first combat mission agianst North Vietnam. -
Things are Changing
President Johnson orders the U.S. to retaliate againt North Vietnam. This coming after a direct attack on the U.S.S. Maddox. In this attack, two American planes were damaged. This attack on the Maddox and American's retaliation made the war all the more real. It was no longer America helping South Vietnam but America protecting themselves. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
With the passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution President Johnson is able to do whatever he deems necessary to protect southeast Asia. This event is important because it solidified America's involvement in the fight against communism in North Vietnam. -
The Creation of Operation Rolling Thunder
On February 13, 1965 operation Rolling Thunder is authorized. This is a direct bombing raid on Nort Vietnam, in hopes that will put an end to their support of the Vietcong Guerillas in the South. This event is significant because it shows how serious the Unites States is about helping the South and putting an end to the war. -
60,000 More Troops
President Johnson, as part of the Tonkin Resolution, sends over 60,000 more troops to southeast Asia to help support South Vietnam's military force. Again, this act solidifies the Unites States' involvement in this war, and clearly reflects the sacrifices made by America. -
Hanoi and Haiphong
Air battles between America and North Vietnam over the towns of Hanoi and Haiphong result in American taking down nearly half the North's pilot strength. This event is significant because taking down half of the enemies pilot strength is quite a feat. This also shows how much America did for the South. -
Enter President Nixon
In January 1969 President Richard Nixon is elected into office. He brings with him a new strategy for the Vietnam War. It is his objective to both withdraw American troops from South Vietnam and to keep South Vietnam safe from the North. This even is significant because President Nixon's approach was different than those before him. His apporach gave American and its troops a glimpse of the beginning of the end. -
133,000 Troops
Only 133,000 troops remain in South Vietnam. This left the ground war against the North and the Vietcong the responsibility of the South. Although 133,000 seems like a large number it does not compare to how many men were stationed in southeast Asia during the height of the war. This event showcases the United States' attempt to break away from the South and let them handle it on their own. -
Peace Talks
In December 13, 1972, the Americans and North Vietnam engage in peace talks in Paris.
They would later resume their peace talks January 8 of 1973. These peace talks were steps toward negotiation and compromise. They are significant because these talks were steps in the right direction. -
The Last Ones
March 1973 is when the last of America's combat troops left South Vietnam. This also marks, for the U.S., the official end to the war. This is significant because although the war was over the U.S. it was not over for their allies. This is also a significant time because although America lost many men, it was a time of celebration for those who came home alive. -
Surrender
Nearly two years after the last of th American combat soldiers left South Vietnam, the South surrenders to the North.
This after the North made great strides in their fight against the South, seizing many of their best areas. This is a signficant event because after so many deaths and so much sacrifice, the one thing that was not supposed to happen, did. The South was not strong enough to fight off the North on their own. -
Unified
In July 1976, a year after the South surrendered themselves to the North, Vietnam bcomes a unified, communist country. Again, this event is significant because the one thing that was not supposed to happen did. Many lives were lost to fight against the rise of communism, yet it won in the end.
