-
Ho Chi Minh founds Indochinese Communist Party
Fled to Vietnam after being condemned to death for his behavior by the French.
He then returned home and helped to form Vietminh. This group had the goal to rid Japan of foreign powers. -
Japan occupies Vietnam
Taken over during WWII after Germany defeated the French.
Originally taken over because of oil, something Japan needed. -
Ho Chi Minh founds Viet Minh
Was first formed to find independence for Vietnam from the French Empire.
After Japan took over, they opposed Japan with the help of the U.S. -
Viet Minh captures Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh establishes the Democratic Republic of Vietnam
When Japan surrendered in August, they handed over public building and land over the Viet Minh.
They also recruited 600 Japanese soldiers who fought against the French until in 1945, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam a republic. -
Eisenhower introduces domino theory
Was the belief throughout the U.S. government that if one region came under the influence of communism, other countries would follow in a domino effect.
Eisenhower’s belief came true when China became communist and Korea fell under control of the Soviets during WWII. -
Viet Minh defeat French at Dien Bien Phu
This was the first confrontation of the First Indochina War fought between French Union's French Far East Expeditionary Corps and Viet Minh communist-nationalist revolutionaries.
This occurred over a dispute of the future of French Indochina in Geneva. -
Vietcong begin attacks on Diem government
Diem was not open to having people other than his family in his regime.
After the arrest of thousands for being communist a group known as the Vietcong started to attack his government killing many because of Diem catholic faith and his anti-communist views. -
Ngo Dinh Diem overthrown in U.S.-backed coup
This event was critical because it threatened the United States’ policy of containment.
He was a Roman Catholic and pursued biased views on other religion, possibly a result of his overthrow and assassination. -
U.S. Congress passes Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Gave president Lyndon B. Johnson an ok to finally use conventional military force in Southeast Asia.
This was the start of the escalating U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War. -
U.S. forces begin Operation Rolling Thunder bombing campaign
This was name for the United State’s almost total air supremacy during the Vietnam War.
It was started in an effort to allow the people of North Vietnam to lose hope in their government and to undermine the capacity of the government in North Vietnam to govern. Operation Rolling Thunder failed on both accounts.
