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Vietnamese communist
In 1941, a vietnamese communist, Ho Chi Minh, drew on that history to stir up nationalist feelings. -
Japan surrenders
On September 2 1945, the same day that japan formally surrendered to the Allies, Vietnam declared its Independence. -
French Warships
In November 1946, French warships opened fire on the port city of Haiphong, killing some 6,000 Vietnamese civilians. -
U.S. Soldiers
By 1951, thousands of U.S. soldiers had already died in Korea trying to halt the spread of communism. -
A surprised attack
In March 1954, when Viet Minh launched a surprise attack on a large French military base at Dien Bien Phu, in the mountains of northeren Vietnam. -
Geneva Accords
In July the French and Viet Minh signed the Geneva Accords -
Eisenhower was warned
On April 7, Eisenhower warned that if Vietnam fell to communism, the rest of Southeast Asia would topple like a ¨ row of dominoes.¨ -
Viet Overran
On May 7, 1954 the Viet Minh finally overran the French base, ending the Battle of Dien Bien Phu and shattering French morale. -
Ho Chi Minh for president
In October 1955, he declared himself president of South Vietnam. -
Minh formed a group
In 1960, the viet Minh formed a group called the National Liberation front and invited all opponents of Diem to join
