-
Vietnam declares its independence
On September 2, 1945, the same day that japan formally surrendered to the allies, Vietnam declared its independence. Ho Chi Minh made the announcement. -
French warships opened fire on the port city of Haiphong
In November 1946, French warships opened fire on the port city of Haiphong, killing about 6,000 Vietnamese civilians. -
Viet Minh attacked french ground forces
The following month of the open fire of Haiphong,Viet Minh attacked french ground forces. These two incidents marked the start of the first Idochina War which continued for 8 years. -
Viet Minh launched a suprise attack on a french military base
Viet Minh launched a suprise attack on a french military base at Dien Bien Phu, in the mountains of northern Vietnam. -
The French and Viet Minh signed the Geneva Accords
In July 1954,The French and Viet Minh signed the Geneva Accords. Under this agreement, the fighting stopped, and Vietnam was split temporarily along the 17th parallel. The Viet Minh moved north of that line while the french withdrew to the south. -
Viet Minh finally overran the French base
On may 7, 1954,Viet Minh finally overran the French base, ending the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. -
The U.S put an anticommunist south Vietnamese leader, Ngo Dinh Dien,in charge
In 1955,the united states used its infuence to put an anticommunist south Vietnamese leader, Ngo Dinh Dien,in charge. Diem began building an army. -
Ngo Dinh Diem declared himself president of South Vietnam
In October 1955,he declared himself president of South Vietnam. He began returning land to wealthy landlords and drafting young men into his army. He ruthlessly attacked opponents and jailed thousands without trial or charging them with a crime. -
Viet Minh formed a group called the National Liberation Front
In 1960,Viet Minh formed a group called the National Liberation Front and invited all opponents of Diem to join. -
Kennedy Becomes president
Kennedy wins the precidency in 1961.