Vietnam War Timeline

The French are defeated by the Viet Minh

May 7, 1954

Diem cancels elections for the unified Vietnam with the U.S. support

Oct 23, 1956

JKF Becomes President

Jan 20, 1961

JFK is assassinated

Nov 22, 1963

LBJ becomes president

Nov 22, 1963

Tonkin Gulf Resolution

Aug 10, 1964

This resolution gave LBJ power to use military action in Vietnam without declaring war on them. This is just what he wanted.

First U.S. combat troops arrive in Vietnam

Mar 8, 1965

U.S. Launches "Operation Rolling Thunder"

Period: Mar 8, 1965 to Nov 10, 1968

Aerial bombing campaign on Vietnam

The Tet Offensive

Jan 30, 1968

Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Soldiers attack South Vietnam

My Lai Massacre

Mar 16, 1968

Mass murder of South Vietnam cilvilians. About 300-500 unarmed civilians were killed in this massacre.

LBJ accounces he will not seek reelection

Mar 31, 1968

U.S. troop strength rises above 500,000

Dec 31, 1968

Nixon announces policy of "Vietnamization"

Jan 8, 1969

Nixon plans on having the US support and supply South Vietnam

Nixon becomes president

Jan 20, 1969

Nixon orders secret bombing of Cambodia

Period: Mar 18, 1969 to May 26, 1970

Nixon begins peace negotiations in Paris

Aug 16, 1969

The U.S. and the army of South Vietnam invade Cambodia

Period: Apr 29, 1970 to Jul 22, 1970

Four students killed by National Guard during protests at Kent State University

May 4, 1970

Two students killed during protests at Jackson State University

May 15, 1970

New York Times begins publishing the Pentagon Papers

Jun 13, 1971

U.S. mines Haiphong harbor

May 8, 1972

U.S. launches massive bombing of Hainoi

Dec 26, 1972

Last U.S. Troops leave Vietnam

Mar 26, 1973

North Vietnam takes over South Vietnam, creating one Vietnam under Communist Control

Apr 30, 1975