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Emperor Bao Dai surrendered leadership to Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh.
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Ho Chi Minh wrote a letter to President Harry S. Truman, asking him for the support of the United States in gaining independence for Vietnam.
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Bao Dai signed the Elysée Agreement, which gave Vietnam "independence" within the French Union. The French, however, retained control over all key governmental functions.
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The Viet Minh began its assault against the fortified hills protecting the Dien Bien Phu air base. United States in Vietnam 1945-1975. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2015, from http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index.html
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Vietnam was divided in half at the 17th parallel, with Ho Chi Minh's Communists ceded the North, while Bao Dai's regime was granted the South. United States in Vietnam 1945-1975. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2015, from http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index.html
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Ngo Dinh Diem became the first president of the Republic of South Vietnam. President Eisenhower pledged his support for the new government and offered military aid.
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Air Force T-Sgt. Richard B. Fitzgibbon Jr. was the first American soldier killed in the Vietnam War. His death had a huge impact on many Americans.
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The National Front for the Liberation was formed by Hanoi to replicate the success of the Viet Minh, United States in Vietnam 1945-1975. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2015, from http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index.html
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The U.S. Military Assistance Command for Vietnam was formed and replaced MAAG-Vietnam, the Military Assistance Advisory Group which had been established in 1950.
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North Vietnamese gunboats attacked the USS Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin, which resulted in the demage of one US aircraft and three North Vietnamese torpedo boats and death of North Vietnamese sailors.
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The first U.S. combat troops arrived in Vietnam as 3500 Marines land at China Beach to defend the American air base at Da Nang.
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Viet Cong terrorists bombed the U.S. embassy in Saigon. United States in Vietnam 1945-1975. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2015, from http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index.html
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Over 35,000 people standed against the war. They circled the White House then marched on to the Washington Monument for a rally. United States in Vietnam 1945-1975. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2015, from http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index.html
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Beginning on the Vietnamese Tet holiday, Viet Cong forces attacked U.S. troops, which continued for months. The Tet Offensive brought a catastrophe to the NLF and the Viet Cong--they lost 37,000 fighters while the United States lost 2,500 men.
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President Johnson labeled the Tet Offensive "a complete failure."
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President Nixon announced that an agreement had been reached which would "end the war and bring peace with honor."
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The last remaining American troops withdrew from Vietnam.
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During the last weeks of April, an invasion of Saigon by the North Vietnamese became certain, and thousands attempted to flee the region.
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President Minh broadcasted a message of unconditional surrender. The war was finally over.
