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Geneva Accords
Vietnam would become an independent country of France after 75 years of colonialism. Cambodia and Laos were also made independent. Vietnam was divided into South and North Vietnam for two years. The plan was for one President to be chosen and reunite the country. -
Assassination of Diem
Former police officer, prime minister of Vietnam, and President of South Vietnam, Ngo Dinh Diem was assassinated in the military coup of 1963. His opposition to the Viet Cong made him widely disliked and a target for assassination. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
President Johnson was authorized to “take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression" and ensure protection from Communist North Vietnam attacks. This gave President Johnson more influence in the war without actually declaring war. -
LBJ ordered first troops to Vietnam
LBJ sent American troops to Vietnam to defend the U.S. Airbase from the Vietcong. This was the start of a three-year fighting period. America became a part of the Vietnam war over the seventeenth parallel. -
Tet Offensive
An eight-month-long military campaign. Attacked more than 100 Southern Vietnam cities. Hoped to encourage America to real back their participation in the war. -
My Lai Massacre
Innocent South Vietnam civilians were murdered by U.S. troops. This increased opposition towards American involvement in the Vietnam war as many women, children, and other innocent individuals were killed in their village. -
Nixon's Vietnamization Policy
Vietnamization would gradually bring U.S. troops out of Vietnam and give South Vietnam the resources to defend themselves in the war. -
Nixon becomes President
Richard Nixon won the 1968 election under the Republican party. Nixon beat Democrat nominee Hubert Humphrey and Independent George Wallace. The Democrat party split the vote between the other two nominees and ended up costing either one the election. -
Nixon Ordered Troops to Cambodia
Nixon began bombing suspected Communist bases in Cambodia and other neutral countries. Troops were then sent to fight along with South Vietnam troops in fighting Communist bases. Nixon believed this shortened the war and saved lives. -
Hard Hat Riot
Hundreds of New York office and construction workers attacked demonstrators that were a part of the student strike. Confirmed the divide between those who were pro-Vietnam war and those against the war. -
Nixon goes to China
President Nixon took a week-long trip to China to restore diplomatic relations after previous tensions. This was the first time a President had visited China. -
Nixon's Christmas Bombing
Peace talks between Vietnam and American fell through and Nixon planned to retaliate. Over 2,000 tons of bombs were dropped on Vietnam cities Hanoi and Haiphong. The bombings continued until the 29th and then the Paris Peace Treaty was signed a few weeks later. -
Paris Peace Accords
The Paris Peace Accords was a peace treaty that agreed to end the war and restore peace in Vietnam. A cease-fire throughout Vietnam was established and the U.S. removed all troops. Troops were also removed from Cambodia and Laos. -
Nixon Resigns
Nixon resigned after his Watergate scandal as he felt he would not have the support of Congress throughout the rest of his Presidency. Vice President Gerald Ford then took office. -
Saigon Falls
Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, was captured by the Vietcong and the People's army. The removal of American troops from South Vietnam led to their downfall and allowed North Vietnam to take over. This marked the end of the Vietnam war.
