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Ho Chi Minh founds the IndoChinese Communist Party
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Vietnam organises an army foce named Viet Minh, in response to invasion by Japan (World War II).
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Japan invaded Vietnam
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French forces attack Viet Minh in Haiphong in November, sparking the war of resistance against the colonial power.
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Democratic Republic of Vietnam is recognised by China and USSR (Russia)
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Viet Minh forces attack a French military outpost in the town of Dien Bien Phu. The attempt to take the outpost lasts two months, during which time the French government agrees to peace talks in Geneva. At the Geneva conference, Vietnam is split into North and South.
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Weapons and men from North Vietnam begin attacking the south.
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1965 - 1967 US send in over 800,000 troops
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Ho Chi Minh dies. President Nixon begins to reduce US ground troops in Vietnam as domestic public opposition to the war grows.
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Ceasefire agreement in Paris, US troop pull-out completed by March.
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Socialist Republic of Vietnam proclaimed. Saigon is re-named Ho Chi Minh City. Hundreds of thousands flee abroad, including many "boat people".
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Vietnam invades Cambodia and ousts the Khmer Rouge regime of Pol Pot. In response, Chinese troops cross Vietnam's northern border. They are pushed back by Vietnamese forces. The number of "boat people" trying to leave Vietnam causes international concern.
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Nguyen Van Linh becomes party leader. He introduces a more liberal economic policy.
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Vietnamese troops withdraw from Cambodia.
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Le Kha Phieu becomes party leader. Tran Duc Luong chosen as president, Phan Van Khai becomes prime minister.
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The Communist Party chooses Nong Duc Manh as its new leader.