The Vietnam War

Independence of Democratic Republic of Vietnam

Sep 2, 1945

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/vietnam-independence-proclaimed Soon after Japan surrendered in 1945, the Viet Minh in the August Revolution, entered Hanoi and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was proclaimed on September 2, 1945, government for the entire country replacing the Nguyễn dynasty.[15] Viet Minh leader Hồ Chí Minh became head of the government. U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt had spoken against French rule in Indochina and America was supportive of the Viet Minh at this time.

Bombardment of Haiphong

Nov 23, 1946

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/northeast-vietnam/haiphong/historyFrench naval vessels bombarded Haiphong, causing several thousand civilian casualties. One of the most immediate causes of the Franco-Viet Minh War. A contemporary French account estimated civilian deaths at

The First Indochina War

Dec 19, 1946

http://www.coldwar.org/articles/40s/FirstIndochinaWar.aspEnding Aug 1, 1954. French forces vs. Viet Minh. United States and Great Britiain supported the French while Soviet Union and China suppoted the Vietnamese.

Eisenhower "Domino Theory" Speech

Apr 7, 1954

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/eisenhower-gives-famous-domino-theory-speech/print Eisenhower’s words had little direct immediate impact–a month later, Dien Bien Phu fell to the communists, and an agreement was reached at the Geneva Conference that left Ho’s forces in control of northern Vietnam. In the long run, however, Eisenhower’s announcement of the “domino theory” laid th

Geneva Conference Begins

Apr 26, 1954

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/geneva-conference-beginsIn an effort to resolve problems in Indochina world powers met. They decided French would leave the North and Vietnam would be temporarily divided at the 17th parallel, pending elections within two years to choose a president and reunite the country.

Battle at Dien Bien Phu

May 7, 1954

http://www.history.com/topics/battle-of-dien-bien-phuDecisive engagment in the first Indocina War. After 57 days of siege, the French positon collasped. The defeat signaled the end of French colonial rule.

Second Indochina War or Vietnam War

May 8, 1954

https://viet-nam.wikispaces.com/Second+Indochina+WarPitted the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies in South Vietnam, known as the Viet Cong, against the government of South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. The war started with the South Vietnamese and the North Vietnamese wanting to be the rulers of the country.The USA wanted the south vietnmaese to rule so the USA gave the South Vietnamese money so they would win the elections. Then things got out of hand and the war began. The war started in 1954 and finished

Ho Chi Minh Trail

May 9, 1959

http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1875.htmlThe Ho Chi Minh Trail was a network of roads built from North Vietnam to South Vietnam through the neighboring countries of Laos and Cambodia, to provide logistical support to the Vietcong and the North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War. It was a combination of truck routes and paths for foot and bicycle traffic. The trail was actually a 16,000-kilometer (9,940-mile) web of tracks, roads and waterways.

Diem Murdered During Coup

Nov 2, 1963

President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu are murdered during a coup by dissident generals of the South Vietnamese army. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/diem-murdered-during-coup/print

Tet Offensive

Jan 31, 1968

http://www.history.com/shows/vietnam-in-hd/infographics/vietnam-veterans-memorial-infographicThe deadliest day of the war was the first day of the Tet Offensive with 245 deaths. 1968 was the bloodiest year with 16, 592 deaths. North Vietnam announces a seven day ceasefire to celebrate the Vietnamese New Year. Planned surprise attacks on South Vietnam 126 cities attacked

Largest Anti-war Demostration Held

Nov 15, 1969

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/15/nov-15-1969-anti-vietnam-war-demonstration-held/Took place in Washington, D.C., as over 250,000 Americans gathered peacefully, calling for withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam

The Draft

Dec 1, 1969

http://thevietnamwar.info/vietnam-war-draft/the Selective Service System conducted the first lottery draft since 1942. This is the method: There were 366 plastic capsules, each capsule had a date of a year inside, were mixed into a deep glass jar. The capsules were pulled out and opened one by one. The first date was drawn was September 14, which meant men who were of draft-eligible age had the first priority to be called to serve. After the first, the second lottery was held for all of the 26 letters of alphabet to order the priority amo

Christmas Bombings

Dec 18, 1972

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/nixon-announces-start-of-christmas-bombing-of-north-vietnamOn December 13, peace talks between the United States and North Vietnam collapsed. The North Vietnamese and American negotiators traded charges and countercharges as to who was to blame. Infuriated, President Nixon ordered plans drawn up for retaliatory bombings of North Vietnam. Linebacker II was the result. Beginning on December 18, American B-52s and fighter-bombers dropped over 20,000 tons of bombs on the cities of Hanoi and Haiphong. The United States lost 15 of its giant B-52s and 11 other

Saigon Falls, End of the War

Apr 30, 1975

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/30/april-30-1975-saigon-falls/Communist North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces captured the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon, forcing South Vietnam to surrender and bringing about an end to the Vietnam War.

Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

Apr 25, 1976

http://vietnamembassy-usa.org/vietnam/history Democratic Republic of Viet Nam was renamed Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. In 1977, Viet Nam became a member of the United Nations.In the first ten years of post-war period, many socio-economic targets could not be achieved due to both internal and external reasons. Viet Nam’s economy fell into crisis and stagnation. People’s lives were difficult.