Timeline: Vietnam War

Aug 30, 1945

Ho Chi Minh's Presidency

After seizing leadership from Emperor Bao Dai, Ho Chi Minh becomes the leader of what will be known as Viet Minh. He declares it the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html

Mar 13, 1954

Beginning of the War/ Battle of Dien Bien Phu

The war began with the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html

May 7, 1954

End of Battle of Dien Bien Phu

After 55 days of battle, the French surrendered leaving the Vietnamese Victorious. Even though the Vietnamese lost more men, the impact of the French's loss caused them the inability to carry on the war.
http://www.pbs.org/battlefieldvietnam/timeline/index.html

Jul 7, 1954

Ngo Dinh Diem' Presidency

After Bao Dia appoints him, Bgo Dinh Diem becomes the president of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html

Jul 21, 1954

Geneva Accords

In this agreement, a dividing line between the 17th parallel of Vietnam would divide the nation until the further election. France and Ho Chi Minh sign while South Vietnam and the U.S. do not.
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html

Jul 8, 1959

First American Troops Die (Non Combat)

During a guerilla attack in Bien Hoa, Major Dale R. Buis and Master Sargeant Chester M Ovnand are the first reported American deaths during the Vietnam War.
http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/vietnam/timeline.htm

Nov 8, 1960

JFK's Presidency Begins

John F. Kennedy is elected to be the 35th president, beating Richard Nixon. http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html

Nov 1, 1963

JFK Assination

While in Dallas, Texas, President Kennedy was shot and killed leaving Vice Presient, Lyndon Johnson to take his place and made important decisions regarding the problems with the Vietnam War.
http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/vietnam/timeline.htm

Aug 4, 1964

First Bombing

President Lyndon Johnson orders bombing on North Vietnam after the second assualt of North Vietnam gunboats. This was the first bombing done by the U.S.
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html

May 8, 1965

First American Combat Troops

To help defend the US airfield in Danang, Vietnam, America sends out its first combat units.
http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/vietnam/timeline.htm

Dec 31, 1965

200,000 Troops

By the end of 1965, America's troop levels in Vietnam top 200,000. http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html

Jun 23, 1968

America's Longest War

June 23, 1968 marks the day that the Vietnam War was the longest war of American history (at the time) with the first shooting of an American (combat) serviceman being on December 22, 1961.
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html

Nov 6, 1968

Nixon's Presidency

In a tight race, Richard Nixon was elected as President. http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/vietnam/timeline.htm

Mar 29, 1973

End of Vietnam War for U.S.

March 29, 1973 marks the date of the last American troops leaving Vietnam. This was the official date for the end of the Vietnam War involving America. Later, despite renewed fighting in Vietnam, Congress phrohibitted any U.S. intervention. http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html