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Vietnam War
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Politics- John F. Kennedy Is Elected
John F. Kennedy beats Richard M. Nixon for the position of President. He was the youngest president elected. Kennedy increased U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. -
Military- Agent Orange.
Agent Orange was a powerful mixture of chemicals used by the U.S. to eliminate forest cover for the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops. More than 19 million gallons were dropped. It was later discovered that this caused serious health problems and health defects. -
Military- More Troops to Vietnam
Kennedy sent 100 Special Forces troops that were trained for guerrilla warfare to Vietnam. -
Military- MACV
The Joint Chiefs os Staff established the U.S Military Assistance Command, Vietnam appointing General Paul D. Harkins as the first commmander. MACV was a response to increase military assistance in South Vietnam. It was disestablished on March 29, 1973. -
Military- Battle Of Ap Bac
The Battle of Ap Bac was a major battel. It was fought in Định Tường Province. The Lao Dong party in Hanoi called the battle at Ap Bac a victory. They said that it "signified the coming of the new revolutionary armed forces in the South." -
Politics- President John F. Kennedy Is Assassinated
Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald who later was killed by Jack Ruby. President Kennedy was killed as his limousine entered Dealey Plaza. Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson then became the new President of the United States. -
Military- Operation Rolling Thunder
U.S. President Johnson ordered the first of many bombing missions over North Vietnam. It lasted until November 2, 1968. The purpose of this was to persuade North Vietnam to cease its support of communism in South Vietnam. 52,000-182,000 North Vietnamese civilians were killed or injured. -
Military- 1st Calvary Division
Westmoreland sent the 1st Cavalry Division to the Central Highlands where they defeated North Vietnamese regulars in the Battle of the Ia Drang. They were the Army’s first airmobile unit. -
Protest- Lincoln Memorial
This was one of the most prominent anti-war demonstrations. 100,000 protesters gathered around Lincoln Memorial. Hundreds of demonstrators were arrested after a brutal confrontation with soldiers and the U.S. Marshals. -
Protest Againt Draft
About 500 people gathered around the San Francisco Federal Building to protest against the draft. 88 draft cards were collected and destroyed. Draft-card burning was a protest of young men who refused to the involvement in the Vietnam War. -
Military- Tet Offensive
About 70,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launch a coordinated series of attacks on South Vietnamese towns and cities. Despite all the casualties, North Vietnam achieved a strategic victory. This was a turning point in war and the beginning of American withdrawal. -
Protest- Upheavel Democratic National Convention
Thousands of protesters battle police in the streets of Chicago while the Democratic Party falls apart in a disagreement concerning a stance in Vietnam. The violence happening between the protesters and police was shown on live television. The situation rapidly got out of control as the Mayor called 12,000 police officers and 15,000 state and federal officers were called to contain the protesters. -
Politics- Richard Nixon Was Elected President
There was said he had a "secret plan" to end the war. He won against Democratic nominee Hubert Humphrey. He served until August 9, 1974. He was the only president to resign the office. -
Military- Reduction in Draft
President Nixon calls for a reduction in draft calls. He also ordered the withdrawal of 35,000 troops from Vietnam. -
Protest- Moratorium March On Washington
This was the first nationwide Moratorium. 500,000 people who were against the war showed up, including many performers like John Lennon and Pete Seeger who sang "Give Peace A Chance". President Nixon came out and said, "Now, I understand that there has been, and continues to be, opposition to the war in Vietnam on the campuses and also in the nation. As far as this kind of activity is concerned, we expect it; however under no circumstances will I be affected whatever by it." -
Protest- Kent University Shooting
Four Kent students were killed during a peaceful protest against the war in Vietnam. Two of those killed weren't protesting, they were simply watching. This event made 4 million students around the country go on strike. -
Politics-Paris Peace Accords
The United States, South Vietnam, the Viet Cong, and North Vietnam signed a cease-fire agreement. This meant the United States agreed to withdraw from South Vietnam without any commitment from North Vietnam. -
Military- Troops Come Home
The last American combat soldiers leave South Vietnam, some advisors and Marines stayed behind to protectc U.S. installations. Out of over 3 million Americans who have served in the war, almost 58,000 are dead, and over 1,000 are missing and 150,000 Americans were seriously wounded. The war is now over for the United States. -
Military- Mines Removed
The U.S. Navy removes mines from North Vietnam. These had been installed during Operation Linebacker. The picture gives a visual of what Operation Linebacker looked like. -
The War Is Brought To An End
North Vietnamese soldiers captured Saigon. This event marked the end of the Vietnam War.
