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The Indochinese Communist Part was established by rebel leader, Ho Chi Minh in October in the year 1930. This group was created to start a communist movement to get rid of French pccupation and rule over Vietnam.
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In September of 1940, Japan invaded "Vichy French Indochina" near the Vietnamese railway to prevent the republic of China from importaing arms and fuel through this territory.
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On September 2, 1945 leader Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam independent from France. The country now called themselves the "Democratic Republic of Vietnam".
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In July of 1950, the United States pledges 15 millions dollars worth of military aide to help the French fight Vietnam. This initially started the US involvement.
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On Auguest 2, 1964. the USS Maddox were performing intelligence patrol in international waters when they were attacked by North Vietnamese Torpedo boats. US fighter jets assisted the ship and some were damaged.
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On March 8, 1969 American troops were sent into the demilitarized zone in Vietnam.
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In January 30, 1968, Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces surprise attacked US troops and other allies in South Vietnam. The Viet Cong and North Vietnamese targeted military and civilian control centers throughout South Vietnam.
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On September 16, 1968, US soldiers received word that Viet Cong fighters had taken cover in the small subset town Mai Lai. In the town there were only civlian women and children and elderly men. However, the soldiers were told to destroy the villiage because the civilians were considered enemy sympathizers. This group of US soldiers killed between 200 to 500 unarmed civilians. Many soldiers were found guilty of murder after this incident.
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In July of 1969, President Nixon ordered the first of many withdrawals of American troops from Vietnam.
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On April 30, 1970, President Nixon announced that US soliders were going to attack enemy locations in Cambodia. This caused uproars and protest, especially on college campuses.
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On January 27, 1973, the Paris Peace accords were signed by the United States, South Vietnam, Viet Cong, and North Vietnam calling for a cease-fire.
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On March 29, 1973, President Nixon announces the withdrawal of the final US troops in Vietnam. In his address he stated that "the day we have all worked and prayed and worked for has finally come".
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On March 4, 1975, North Vietnam launches their final attack on South Vietnam. After 30 years, the South Vietnamese surrendered to the communist country.
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On July 2, 1976, after the surrender of South Vietnam, to North Vietnam, the two became a unified country declaring itself the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
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On November 13, 1982 the Vietnam Vetran's Memorial is dedicated to those who died or are missing in action. The memorial is in Washington D.C., Virginia.
