Vietnam War

Declaration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam

Feb 9, 1945

On September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam in Hanoi's Ba Dinh square.

The country was split into two states: North Vietnam and South Vietnam

1956

France moved to regain control of Indochina. The Viet Minh, a nationalist-socialist militia led by Ho Chi Minh, initiated a struggle for Vietnamese independence. After the Viet Minh defeated the French in 1954, The country was partitioned into two states: communist-ruled North Vietnam and United States-backed South Vietnam. Elections to resolve Vietnamese self-determination and reunification were scheduled for 1956 but never eventuated.

Communist attacks on South Vietnam

1957

In the late 1950s, communist insurgents began attacking government targets in South Vietnam. Despite waves of US-supplied aid, weapons and military advisors, the situation in South Vietnam continued to deteriorate.

Weapons and men from North Vietnam begin infiltrating the South.

1959

Viet Cong, defeat the South Vietnamese Army

1963

Viet Cong, the communist guerrillas operating in South Vietnam, defeat units of the ARVN, the South Vietnamese Army

The US enter the Vietnam War

1964

In August 1964 a confrontation between US and North Vietnamese vessels in the Gulf of Tonkin prompted a more determined American response. The outcome was the Vietnam War

200,000 American combat troops arrive in South Vietnam.

1965

These numbers will rise throughout the war

My Lai Massacre

1968

a combined assault by Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese army on US positions - begins. More than 500 civilians die in the US massacre at My Lai. Thousands are killed by communist forces during their occupation of the city of Hue.

Ho Chi Minh dies.

1969

Ceasefire agreement in Paris

1973

Ceasefire agreement in Paris, US troop pull-out completed by March.

Fall of Saigon

1975

North Vietnamese troops invade South Vietnam and take control of the whole country after South Vietnamese President Duong Van Minh surrenders.