Vietnam War By dimsim Aug 1, 1945 Japan surrenders and World War 2 ends in the Pacific Oct 1, 1949 China is officially declared a Communist Republic Feb 1, 1950 Vietnam is officially split into two separate nations Apr 1, 1950 Communist Party Dissolution Bill introduced to Australian Parliament Jun 1, 1950 Australian forces committed to the Korean War Sep 1, 1951 ANZUS treaty signed Apr 1, 1954 Petrov defects from Soviet embassy Sep 1, 1954 SEATO alliance signed May 1, 1962 Australia sends military advisers to South Vietnam Apr 1, 1965 Prime Minister Menzies commits Australian troops to combat in Vietnam and reintroduces conscription Apr 1, 1966 Australian military commitment to Vietnam trebled Jun 1, 1968 Penalties are increased for evading conscription and anti-war movement gains broader community support May 1, 1970 Prime Minister Gorton reduces Australian military commitment to Vietnam; first Moratorium Campaign march Jun 1, 1971 Third moratorium march Dec 1, 1972 Labor Party elected to federal government announces withdrawal of Australian forces from Vietnam Apr 1, 1975 Communist governments take power in Laos and Cambodia; around two million refugees of the conflict in Indochina require asylum Apr 1, 1975 The North Vietnamese force the surrender of South Vietnam, bringing the Vietnam War to an end Jan 1, 1979 The United Nations formulates resettlement programs for refugees, and thousands arrive in Australia
