-
Vietnam War Starts-Battle of Dien Bien Phu
Start of the Vietnam War because the French started fighting with the Vietnamese. There were actions taken before, but no direct actions were taken on Vietnam until the Battle of Dien Bien Phu started. This did not directly involve the United States, but if the French were to require aid the US would help due to friendly relationships. The French were eventually defeated. -
Geneva Convention
The Geneva Convention granted Vietnam independence from France. Vietnam is split along the 17th parallel. In the north, there is a seemingly communist leader, and in the south, there is an "anti-communist, US backed leader. This is important because it sets up who the US would help in a war. -
US Trains South Vietnamese
The Military Assistance Advisor Group (MAAG) trains the South Vietnamese in preparation for a war. The US is helping the anti-communist portion of the country. -
Kennedy Elected President
A new president could mean new foreign policy. Kennedy had a known agenda, and was very concerned about weeding out communism. -
Vietcong is Formed
Anti-US, communist, wanted to get rid of the South Vietnamese leader Ngo Dinh Diem. This group opposed the US, which only deepened our support for the anti-communist people. -
Diem Palace Bombed
Presidential Palace was bombed by pilots from North Vietnam. The president was unharmed; however, this was still an attempt to assasinate the South Vietnamese President. -
Diem Murdered
Diem was murdered a few weeks before the assasination of Kennedy. He was originally backed by the US. It was possible that this was not only a murder, but an assasination ordered by the US. Diem's treatment of the people was subpar. -
Kennedy Assasinated
Kennedy is shot and killed while driving in Dallas Texas. The US was shooken up, and didn't know where to turn. The small amount of time between the deaths of the two presidents can suggest that perhaps they were related. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
The Gulf of Tonkin was a battle at sea. This provides us with the knowledge that the Vietnam War was not only a battle fought on land, but also at sea. -
Fighting at Ia Drang Valley
There was combat between the North Vietnamese and US, heavy casulties were on both sides. This was fighting between the two armies and not an attack on civilians. -
Operation Cedar Falls
Operation Cedar Falls was a military operation run by the US to destory the Iron Triangle in Saigon. The US found tunnels underground that were thought to be a route for the Vietcong. This showed us that the Vietcong was still alive! -
My Lai Massacre
The United States killed unarmed citizens of My Lai. The massacre showed the US citizens back at home the truly horrific nature of the war. -
Bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong
Nixon orders heavy bombing in order to make North Vietnam become peaceful. The bombing showed that there was no area that was off limits. -
Vietnam War Ends
The last Americans evacuate from Saigmon Falls. When all the soldiers are removed from an area of battle, it is a big sign that the war is over. Also, the last US servicemen also died at this point in a helicopter crash.
