Vietnam

Hi Chi Minch Creates Provisinal Goverment

Jul 1, 1945

Following the surrender of Japan to Allied forces, Ho Chi Minh and his People's Congress create the National Liberation Committee of Vietnam to form a provisional government. Japan transfers all power to Ho's Vietminh.

French and Vietminh Reach Accord

May 16, 1946

France recognizes Vietnam as a "free state" within the French Union. French troops replace Chinese in the North.

Valluy Fails to Defeat Vietminh

Aug 6, 1947

French General Etienne Valluy attempts, and fails, to wipe out the Vietminh in one stroke

US Training South Vietnamese:

Jul 21, 1956

The US Military Assistance Advisor Group (MAAG) assumes responsibility, from French, for training South Vietnamese forces.

Battle3

Dec 31, 1965

Troops:184,300
KIA:
MIA:76,400

Martin Luther King Speaks Out Against War:

May 21, 1967

Calling the US "the greatest purveyor of violence in the world," Martin Luther King publicly speaks out against US policy in Vietnam. King later encourages draft evasion and suggests a merger between antiwar and civil rights groups.

Sihanouk Allows Pursuit of Vietcong into Cambodia

Jan 22, 1968

In a show of military might that catches the US military off guard, North Vietnamese and Vietcong forces sweep down upon several key cities and provinces in South Vietnam, including its capital, Saigon. Within days, American forces turn back the onslaught and recapture most areas. From a military point of view, Tet is a huge defeat for the Communists, but turns out to be a political and psychological victory. The US military's assessment of the war is questioned and the "end of tunnel" seems ver

Battle1

Dec 31, 1968

Troops:536,100
KIA:30,160
WIA:192,800

Battle2

Dec 31, 1969

Troops:475,200
KIA:40,024
WIA:262,796