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Ngo Dinh Diem becomes leader of South Vietnam
Ngo Dinh Diem was backed by the United States, while the North was led by Ho Chi Minh and was not supported by the United States because he was a communist. -
Ho Chi Minh Trail
North Vietnam began transporting supplies through Cambodia and Laos to the South to support gurrilea attacks against Diem's government. The route they took became known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail. -
National Liberation Front Forms
The NLF was formed with North Vietnam's backing and was considered an anti-government group in South Vietnam. The US called the military branch of the NLF the Viet-Cong, or Vietnamese communists. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Attacks on US military by North Vietnam urged Congress to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. It authorized the president to use armed forces in order to fight against any aggressors in the Vietnam Conflict. -
Operation Flaming Dart
President Johnson ordered bombs on North Vietnam in response to the raid at a US military base and US helicopter base. -
Operation Rolling Thunder
Johnson launched a three year campaign of bombing targets on the Ho Chi Minh Trail and other parts of North Vietnam. -
US Troops Increased by 50,000
President Johnson orders 50,000 more troops to be sent to Vietnam. Learn More -
US Troop Levels Increased to 500,000
Johnson raises the levels of troops in Vietnam to 500,000 soldiers. -
Vietnam War Protests
Big protests occur in San Francisco, New York City, and Washington DC against the escalating military presence in Vietnam. -
Tet Offensive
Attacks on both the Viet Minh and the North Vietnamese army occur in more than 100 cities and outposts in South Vietnam, including the US embassy. This led to the gradual withdrawal of the US from the war. -
My Lai Massacre
More than 500 citizens of My Lai were murdered by US forces because of a series of search and destroy operations. -
Kent State Shooting
US guardsmen fire on anti-war protesters at Kent State University as well as killing four and injuring nine citizens. -
Pentagon Papers
The NY Times published leaked information from the Pentagon that revealed the escalating US involvement in Vietnam. -
Paris Peace Accords
Nixon signs the Paris Peace Accords, ending the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War. -
Fall of Saigon
The South Vietnam capital, Saigon (now Ho Chin Minh City), fell to the North and marked the end of the Vietnam War.
