-
Japan Surrenders to the Allies
Following the Soviets entered the war and the atomic bombs were dropped, Japan finally surrendered to the Allies. This event is political, because it was a formal agreement between governments. -
The US Aids France
Although the US did not support colonialism, it decided to help France recapture Vietnam simply out of fear for the alternative: letting Vietnam fall to communism. This event is political, because it involved the formation of an alliance between the US and France. -
The Geneva Accords
During this meeting, Vietnam was split along the 17th parallel, with the Northern portion of the country going to Minh and the South going to Diem. This event is political, because it was a conference among a group of government officials. -
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
After North Vietnam torpedoed multiple US destroyers, President Johnson pushed for this resolution, which gave him the absolute authority to repel any further attacks in Southeast Asia. While the events surrounding this had to do with the military, the event itself is political, because it involved the implementation of an official resolution. -
The War Escalates
Despite some Americans already not approving of the Vietnam War, Johnson called for North Vietnam to be bombed and sent the first wave of combat troops to Vietnam. These events both have to do with the military, because they were physical measures taken by the US. -
The Tet Offensive
This was a massive surprise attack by North Vietnam. Although this attack was successfully repelled by South Vietnamese forces and the US, it worried the American public and lowered support for the war. This event is militaristic, because it was a major battle of the Vietnam War. -
The US Pulls Out
After nearly two decades of fighting, the US and North Vietnam finally made peace. The fighting would continue between North and South Vietnam, with communism soon overtaking the country. This event is political, because it was a peaceful agreement between governments. -
The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial
This involved a memorial in DC being dedicated to those that died in Vietnam. It features a large wall with the names of tens of thousands of casualties. This event does not fit well into any of the categories, but it might be considered political because it involved the government formally paying tribute.