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Aid in Vietnam
In July the Truman authorizes $15 million worth of military aid to France to help them fight in Vietnam. American military advisors will also accompany the influx of military supplies to Vietnam. This was important because it showed when the U.S. military involvement in Vietnam began. -
Geneva Conference splits Vietnam at the 17th parallel
The Geneva Accords creates a cease-fire for the peaceful withdrawal of the French from Vietnam and provide temporary boundary between North and South Vietnam at the 17th Parallel. This is important because it also gave time for elections in North Vietnam which led to Ho Chi Minh to take over. -
Diem as President
South Vietnam declares itself the Replublic of Vietnam, with newly elected Ngo Dinh Diem as president.Truman will send more support for the new government. This event is important because Diem's style of leadership, will create future political problems for him despite the best efforts of his American advisors. -
Viet Cong Established
The National Liberation Front (NLF), also called the Viet Cong, is established in Vietnam by Ho Chi Minh. This was important because the Viet Cong guerrillas caused much terror in South VIetnam. -
South Vietnamese President Diem is assassinated
South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem is executed during a coup. This is important because differnt power struggles are now going back and forth and South Vietnam becomes totally dependent on the U.S. for it's existence. -
Gulf of Tonkin incident
August 2 and 4th, North Vietnamese attack two U.S. destroyers sitting in international waters (Gulf of Tonkin Incident). This event was important because it showed that North VIetnam were getting more aggressive and led to the Resolution that led to a war. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
In response to the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, the U.S. COngress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. It allowed the President to "take all necessary steps, to prevent further attacks against U.S. forces. It passed unanimously. This is important because it grants enormous power to President Johnson to wage an undeclared war in VIetnam. -
Operation Rolling Thunder
A sustained U.S. aerial bombing campaign of North Vietnam begins (Operation Rolling Thunder). Important because it led to 3 million civilion refugees. It was also the largest display of firpower in the history of warfare. -
Troops arrive in Vietnam
THe first U.S. combat troops arrive in Vietnam. 3500 Marines land at China Beach to defend the American air bases. They join 23,00 American Military advisors already in Vietnam. This was important because it was the first combat troops that arrived. -
Tet offensive
Communitst attacked around 100 major cities and towns in South Vietnam, breaking the cease fire. U.S. wond but at a cost. This is important because the Tet offensive touches off widespread protests in the United States. -
My Lai massacre
U.S. soldiers kill hundred of Vietnamese civilians in the town of Mai Lai. This was important because it caused huge uproar when the American people found out about it in the news. It made the U.S. look like monsters. -
Paris Peace Accords
The Paris Peace Accords are signed that provide a cease-fire. This is important because it has the last man to die in combat on this day. -
Withdrawl from Vietnam
The last U.S. troops are withdrawn from Vietnam. This is important because it symbolizes America's official end with the longest war it has ever had and its first defeat. -
President Thieu resigns
South Vietnamese President Thieu resigns. This is important because he condems the U.S., Henry Kissinger, and the Peace Accords whle he resigns. -
Vietnam unified
North and South Vietnam unified under communist rule. This is important because it beomes the Socialist Republic of Vietnam that it is today.
