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Japan Invades Vietnam
Japan's invasion of Vietnam led a nationalist group called the Vietminh to try to expel the Japanese forces. They later defeated Japan in 1945. This event falls under military because it was an invasion. -
French Forces Defeated
To keep posession of their colony, French forces invaded Vietnam. They were defeated by the Vietminh in the battle of Dien Bien Phu and withdrew from Indochina. This event falls under political because it was a political victory for the Vietminh. -
Diem is Overthrown
Diem, the president of South Vietnam, was overthrown and executed by his own generals. This weakened South Vietnam's government. This event was political because it involved the weakening of a nation. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
This gave the president of the United States almost total power in choosing actions taken in the war. This falls under political because it was a piece of legislation. -
First U.S. Troops Arrive in Vietnam
Americans were confident as their troops entered into Vietnam. This event falls under political because it meant that the U.S. was more involved in the conflict than it previously had been. It also falls under military because it dealt with the movement of U.S. troops. -
Tet Offensive
The Vietcong surprise attacked American bases in Vietnam. It showed Americans that the Vietnam War would be more difficult than previously expected. This event falls under military because it involved the use of military force. -
President Robert F. Kennedy is Assassinated
This event shocked Americans and contributed to the chaotic feeling of the year. This event falls under political because it interfered with the country's leadership. -
U.S. Troops are Withdrawn
President Nixon began withdrawing U.S. troops from Vietnam so that South Vietnam would take on more of the fighting. Many people supported this decision because America was losing the war. In 1973, the U.S. officially exited the war, with most Americans viewing the war as a failure. This event falls under military and economic because it involved the movement of U.S. troops and it would improve the economy. -
Communism Expands
Cambodia, South Vietnam and Laos were all overtaken by Communism. These events fall under political because it involved a change in government for three nations and the expansion of Communism.