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Vietnamese forces occupy the French command post at Dien Bien Phu. A 55 day battle ensues with the Vietnamese winning.
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The Geneva Accords creates a cease-fire and a peaceful withdrawl of the French from Vietnam. It also makes a temporay boundary between North and South Vietnam.
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The Vietcong or National Liberation Front (NLF) is established in South Vietnam.
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Operation Ranchhand begins. US planes spray Agent Orange and napalm on vegetation so it is difficult for Vietcong forces to ambush US troops.
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US Army pilots fly South Vietnamese soldiers into Saigon during Operation Chopper. It is the USA's first combat mission against the Vietcong.
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South Vietnam's corrupt President, Ngo Dinh Diem is assassinated.
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The North Vietnamese supposedly attack two US destroyer in the Gulf of Tonkin. This fuels the authorization of the Gulf of Tonking Resolution.
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The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution is signed which gives President Johnson the power to do whatever it takes to defend Southeast Asia.
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President Johnson authorizes Rolling Thunder. It is a long bombing offensive on North Vietnam.
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A deserter from the Vietcong informs the US of an attack planned on a Marine base at Chu Lai. The US launches Starlite and the fisrt major battle of the war ensues, with a resounding US victory.
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North Vietnam launches the Tet Offensive into South Vietnam.
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President Nixon announces that US forces will attack enemy locations in Cambodia. This sparks nationwide protests.
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At a violent protest in Kent State, the National Guard fires on protesters, killing 4 college students.
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The United States officially comes to an agreement with Vietnam with the Paris Accords. They bring all troops out of vietnam.
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The North Vietnamese invade South Vietnam just ten months after a ceasefire agreement. They take full control of the country.
