-
Seeds of Conflict
Amid rumors of a possible American invasion, Japanese oust the French colonial goverment which had been operating independently and seize control of Vietnam, installing Bao Dai as their puppet ruler.
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html -
Vietnam Independence
Japanese sign the surrender agreement in Tokyo Bay formally ending World War II in the Pacific. On this same day, Ho Chi Minh proclaims the independence of Vietnam by quoting from the text of the American Declaration of Independence which had been supplied to him by the OSS -- "We hold the truth that all men are created equal..."
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html -
First American Death In Vietnam
During the unrest in Saigon, as OSS officer Lt. Col, A Peter Dewey is killed by Viet Mihn guerrillas who mistook him for a French officer. Prior to his death Dewey had files a report on the deepening crisis in Vietnam. Dewey believed that the US needed kept their ought to clear out of southest Asia. http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html -
French affront to Ho Chi Minh
In a major affront to Ho Chi Minh, the French high commissioner for Indochina proclaims a separist French controlled government for South Vietnam back them known as (Republic of Chochinchina)
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html -
Chinese, Soviets Offer Weapons to Vietminh
China and the Soviet Union recognize Ho Chi Minh's Democratic Republic of Vietnam. China begin sending advisor and modern weapons to Viet Minh. This created a conflict with American since most of their equipement American made belong to Chinese Nation.
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html -
United States Aid the French
President Harry Truman authorizes $15 millions in military aid to the French war agaisnt Vietman. Not only this included military supplies but also advisors.
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html
http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/vietnam/timeline.htm -
Battle of Dienbienphu Begins
A force of 40,000 heavily armed Vietminh lay seige to the French garrison at Dienbienphu. Using Chinese artillery to shell the airstrip, the Vietminh make it impossible for French supplies to arrive by air.
http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/vietnam/timeline.htm -
French urgently appeal to Washington for aid
By this day the about 10,000 French soldiers are trapped by around 45,000 Viet Minh. Medical suplies, food and water run out. French seek for American help since they do not see a way out.
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html -
Geneva Conference Begins
Delegates from nine nations convene in Geneva to start negotiations that will lead to the end of hostilities in Indochina. The idea of partitioning Vietnam is first explored at this forum. The U.S, Britain, China, the Soviet Union, France, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/vietnam/timeline.htm
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html -
Geneva Conference
It was decided to divided Vitnam in half at 17th pararell. Ho Chin Minh's Communists would lead the North and Bao Dai's would lead the South. U.S fear that Ho Chi Minh will be elected again.
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html -
French leave Vietnam
The last French soldier leaves South Vietnam. The French High Commnad for Indochina is then dissolved.
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html -
President Kennedy... "military role as a means.."
President Kennedy pledges " the united States is determined to help Vietnam preserve its independence." Kennedy sends additional military forces to south Vietnam.
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1961.html -
Minh out of power
General Minh is ousted from power in a bloodless coup led by General Nguyen Khanh who becomes the new leader of South Vietnam.
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1961.html