-
The Domino Theory
First used by Truman, the Domino Theory was popularized by Eisenhower in a speech to justify sending troops to Vietnam to keep the "S. Asia domino" from falling to the communist. -
Geneva Accords
A collection of documents following almost 3 months of negotiations between 9 countries (Asia, US, Soviets) to resolve issues from the Korean war and removing French troops from Vietnam and temporarily divide Vietnam at the 17th parallel. -
Assassination of Diem
After the overthrow of S. Vietnam government led by President Diem, he and his brother were captured and executed by the N. Vietnamese. This was a great boost of morale to the North and created chaos in the country. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution authorized President Lyndon Johnson to “take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression”. This was in response to an attack on two U.S. naval ships and marks the U.S. full involvement in the Vietnam war. -
LBJ Send Troops to Vietnam
March 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson orders the first troops to Vietnam. 3500 soldiers landed in Saigon to help the government defeat the Communist -
Nixon sends troops to Cambodia
President Nixon sent troops to Cambodia to fight along side the S. Vietnamese in an already unpopular conflict. Nixon's action would result in the "War Powers Act" which would limit the President's power to declare war without congressional approval. -
The Paris Peace Accords
The U.S., S. Vietnam, N. Vietnam and S. Vietnamese military signed a peace agreement officially ending the war in Vietnam. -
Saigon Falls
Saigon (now known as "Ho Chi Min City" fell to the Vietcong after a rapid advance of the N. Vietnamese. and the U.S. not delivering aide as promised.