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After WW2, a rivalry between communism and capitalism erupted. As the U.S.S.R began exporting communism to other countries around the world. America saw this as a threat and began fighting against communist world wide. -
As the iron curtain descended over Europe, communist and capitalist allies began fighting each other in small wars all over the world. This is true for Vietnam, as the people rallied around a communist leader, Ho chi Minh, in order to drive the french out. Knowing that Vietnam was being led by a communist, Truman gave 15 million in military aid to the french to continue the war. -
The Geneva accords are hosted, and the North and south are split into two countries. One that is communist, one that is anti-communist. An official election is supposed to be held to reunite the country but it never happens. The french completely pull out of the war, and America refuses to recognize any communist government. -
America was conducting aggressive intelligence gathering, and the Vietnamese responded by shooting at a destroyer. Soon after, American sailors reported having torpedoes fired at their ship, but this was due to freak weather events. This event was spread throughout the media, and aggravated Americans into deciding to pursue more aggressive military action in Vietnam. -
In response to the Gulf of Tonkin incident, America began bombing Vietnam. This further escalated American intervention in vietnam, and began edging the two countries towards war. -
America further increased its military presence by starting an aerial campaign in North Vietnam. This lasted for 3.5. However it did little in order to stop the North from supporting the communist insurgency in the South. -
The first marines land in Vietnam. Adding to the many advisors already placed in Vietnam. But this unit was specifically made to combat and conduct ground assaults and counter Vietcong in the south. -
The first major battle of the Vietnam War happens. The battle of La Drang ended with 545 Americans killed, and several thousand Vietcong soldiers killed. This was the blueprint for how the war would be fought. -
During this period, the US had committed its full forces to the Vietnam War. Despite putting a massive amount of military pressure on the North, the communist guerilla fighters and armies held strong. The Us was fully understanding that no matter what they did, they could not win this war. -
This is considered a turning point in the war. It was a disaster for the Americans, and pointed out the many flaws of the American strategy. People began to understand that no matter how many vietcong soldiers they killed, more would rise. The Vietcong wanted independence, America wanted control. -
The final draft for America was called. This showed that America was going to start drastically cutting back its forces in Vietnam. It also proved that the American public had lost support for the war, and people in America not only wanted out of the war. But they demanded it. -
The last U.S military forces leave Vietnam. Soon after, South Vietnam falls and the North completely takes over. They soon turn their attention towards Cambodia, and begin a military campaign their.