Timeline

  • 1889

    The French colonize Vietnam
  • 1954

    Ho Chi Minh announces Vietnam’s independence at the end of WWII
  • 1954

    The Battle of Dien Bien Phu
  • 1954

    Geith Bev neva Accords separate North and South Vietnam
  • 1959

    First U.S. soldier killed in Vietnam
  • 1963

    President Diem is murdered
  • 1965

    First Marines land in Danang
  • 1967

    The first meeting is held to end the war in Vietnam
  • 1968

    Tet Offensive
  • 1968

    Johnson announces he will not run for re-election
  • 1968

    The U.S. massacre at My Lai
  • 1969

    Battle on Hamburger Hill
  • 1969

    Ho Chi Minh dies
  • 1970

    Students killed by National Guardsmen at Kent State
  • 1972

    Cease-fire agreement is reached between the U.S. and North Vietnam
  • 1973

    Last U.S. combat troops leave Vietnam
  • 1974

    Nixon resigns
  • 1975

    Saigon Falls
  • 1982

    Opening of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in DC