Vietnam War

Geneva Accords

1954

Collection of documents including military agreements, unilateral declarations, and a Final Declaration of the Geneva Conference. Vietnam was divided into two countries at the 17th parallel.

Assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem

Nov 2, 1963

South Vietnam president, Ngo Dinh Diem was very unpopular with the government for his heavy handed tactics and brutal treatment to opponents. He was murdered during a coup by his generals.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Aug 7, 1964

As a result to the incident in the Gulf of Tonkin, where the USS Maddox was attacked by North Vietnamese torpedoes, Congress granted the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution; gave authority to "take all necessary measures to repel any armed attacks against the U.S." The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution contributed to America's full involvement in the Vietnam War.

First deployment of US troops in Vietnam

Mar 8, 1965

As a response to the Gulf of Tonkin incident President Lyndon B Johnson sent troops to Vietnam. The US joining the war was an attempt to end the spread of communism

Tet Offensive

Jan 31, 1968

Attacks organized over South Vietnam targeting American military bases by the North Vietnamese. The Tet Offensive played a role in weakening the US public support on the Vietnam War.

My Lai Massacre

Mar 16, 1968

Americans soldiers brutally killed nearly the whole village of My Lai. The massacre changed the public's opinion as the troops had forgot the moral argument about needing to save Vietnam from the evil of communism.

Nixon’s Vietnamization policy

1969

A policy that worked to end US involvement in the war by expanding and training South Vietnamese forces while sending US troops back home.

President Richard Nixon

Jan 20, 1969

Nixon was a candidate in the 1968 election running against Democratic candidate Hubert Humphrey. He received a big campaign boost unexpectedly after President Lyndon Johnson announced he would not be seeking another term. Nixon presidency represented "peace with honor" in Vietnam.

Nixon sends troops to Cambodia

1970

Nixon ordered troops to Cambodia to destroy Communist bases and supply lines to end war. Congress believed he had overstepped his authority.

Hard Hat Riot

May 8, 1970

Riot included helmeted constructions workers that marched through an antiwar demonstration in Manhattans financial district. Construction workers made their statement that they support Nixons war policies.

Nixon visits China

Feb 21, 1972

Nixon visits the Peoples Republic of China to met Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong. His trip was significant because he was hoping to improve relations with China during the war.

Nixon’s Christmas bombing

Dec 18, 1972

To end tensions with North Vietnam, the US beginning a massive bombing over the period of two weeks. North Vietnam later agreeing to come to an agreement bringing the war to an end.

Paris Peace Accords

Jan 27, 1973

North Vietnamese agreed to talk to the South after air attacks by the US. Peace treaty was signed to establish peace in Vietnam and end war. However, it did not end war, just Americas involvement.

Nixon Resigns

Aug 8, 1974

Being the first President in history to resign, his position was passed down to Vice President Gerald R. Ford. Nixons decision was based on the impeachment proceedings following him for his involvement in the Watergate affair.

Fall of Saigon

Apr 30, 1975

Saigon, stronghold of South Vietnamese falls to Vietcong and Peoples Army of Vietnam. The fall of Saigon represents the end to the Vietnam War as the North had taken over.