Vietnam War in Pictures

By Yippie!!

  • Vietnamese Forces Defeat the French

    In 1954, Vietnamese forces were able to overpower French forces therefore causing a divide at the 17th parallel. The north was driven by communist sympathizers while the south was controlled by anti-communists. The North Vietnamese eventually started to attack the south in attempts of overthrowing the government because they realized that they would never agree to a reunification of the country if it's under Ho Chi Minh's Rule. “Dien Bien Phu.” Public Domain, 1954.

  • Gulf of Tonkin Incident

    Gulf of Tonkin Incident
    In August of 1964, there was a fatal naval confrontation between American and Vietnamese forces. The attack happened over the span of two days and led to the destruction of two U.S. ships in the process. This attack is what led to the formal intervention of U.S. forces in the Vietnam War. Public Domain. “USS Maddox.” Naval History Naval Command, 1964.

  • My Lai Massacre

    One of the most notorious atrocities of the Vietnam War was committed by the Twenty-Third Infantry Division. Viet Cong soldiers were believed to be residing in the town, which is why soldiers were sent in the first place. Houses were burned and as residents attempted to leave, they were shot at by the soldiers despite them proclaiming their innocence. The number of civilians killed that day ranges from 347-504 and none were armed. “My Lai Massacre.” Universal History Archive, 1968.

  • Kent State Massacre

    The Vietnam War was very controversial and so many rallies and protests took place against it. One such rally took place on May 4th, 1970, at Kent State University in order to prevent the war from expanding into Cambodia. National guard was on scene and shots were fired when the students refused to back down. This led to four students dying and nine others being injured despite all of them being unarmed. Filo, John Paul. Kent State Massacre. 1970.

  • Paris Peace Accords

    A peace agreement was signed in January of 1973 in order to end the Vietnam War. A ceasefire was called throughout Vietnam, and Americans were expected to withdraw within 60 days. POW's were also requested to be free and an agreement had to be called between opposing Vietnamese forces. Despite this treaty, the peace was short-lived and fighting continued until 1975.