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France goes to war with Vietnam
After WW2 Ho Chi Minh declared full independence for Vietnam. France sends troops into the country and the fighting begins. -
Truman Doctrine Announced
This doctrine promised U.S. support for armed opposition to communists across the globe. -
U.S. sends troops to help the French
This is important becuase it is the first time the U.S. is getting directly involved in the Vietnam war. -
Communists from Thailand, Laos, and North Vietnam meet
The result of this meeting was that the Vietminh are allowed to use areas in Laos along the border. This would become known as the Ho Chi Minh trail. -
Geneva Accords signed
What the Geneva Accords did was foster a “cooling off” period and separate warring forces, Vietnam was temporarily divided at the 17th parallel; the north to be governed by Communists under Ho Chi Minh, while the south would be governed under Diem, until internationally monitored national elections can be held.The option of relocation for peopleThat all foreign troops would be removed except French troops in South who will remain until mandated elections. Lastly a no reprisal clause -
Geneva Accords Broken
International Control Commission declares that both North and South Vietnam had failed to comply with the Geneva Agreements. -
Viet Cong
The National Liberation Front (NLF), also called the Viet Cong, is established in South Vietnam. Viet Cong the guerrilla force that, with the support of the North Vietnamese Army, fought against South Vietnam and the United States. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
In response to the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, the U.S. Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. What it did was give the president authorization to use military force in southeast Asia without a decloration of war. -
Vietnam Bombing
A sustained U.S. aerial bombing campaign of North Vietnam begins (Operation Rolling Thunder).The operation became the most intense air/ground battle waged during the Cold War period -
Tet Offensive
The North Vietnamese join forces with the Viet Cong to launch the Tet Offensive, attacking approximately one hundred South Vietnamese cities and towns. -
U.S. soldiers kill Vietnamese civilians
This even known as the My lai massacre was the most shocking episode of the Vietnam war. U.S. soldiers killed and raped almost 504 unarmed civilians. -
President orders first troop withdrawal
This event signifies the begining of the end of the war. -
Easter Offensive
The North Vietnamese cross the demilitarized zone (DMZ) at the 17th parallel to attack South Vietnam. It was the largest offensive operation since 300,000 Chinese volunteers had crossed the Yalu River into North Korea during the Korean War. -
U.S. President suspends military operations/ Paris Peace Accord
Kissinger and Le Duc Tho initiate the agreement for a cease-fire - the Paris Peace Accord. The Secretary of State William Rogers, the foreign ministers of South and North Vietnam, and the Provisional Revolutionary Government sign this agreement. -
Last American Combat Troops Leave South Vietnam
This officially signifies the end of the war as well as the end of the U.S. military draft.
