Timeline: Vietnam War Timeline - Ana Cross

Mar 13, 1954

Battle of Dien Bien Phu

In 1954, after being defeated at Dien Bien Phu, the French decided to pull out of Vietnam.

Apr 26, 1954

Geneva Conference

At the Geneva Conference of 1954, many nations met to determine how the French could peacefully withdraw.

The agreement (called the Geneva Accords) stipulated a cease-fire for the peaceful withdrawal of French forces & the temporary division of Vietnam along the 17th parallel, which split Vietnam into communist North Vietnam and non-communist South Vietnam.

Period: May 5, 1954 to May 5, 1980

Vietnam War

Oct 26, 1955

South Vietnam Declares itself

South Vietnam declares itself the Republic of Vietnam, with newly elected Ngo Dinh Diem as president.

Dec 20, 1960

National Liberation Front

The National Liberation Front (NLF), also called the Viet Cong, is established in South Vietnam.

Nov 2, 1963

Ngo Dinh Diem Executed

South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem is executed during a coup.

Aug 4, 1964

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

North Vietnamese fired upon two U.S. ships in international waters on August 2nd and 4th, 1964.
Congress responded with the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which gave the President the authority to escalate U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Sep 5, 1965

First U.S. Troops Sent to Vietnam

President Lyndon Johnson used the authority from the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution to order the first U.S. ground troops to Vietnam in 1965.

Jan 30, 1968

Surprise Attack

North Vietnamese surprised both U.S. forces & South Vietnamese by orchestrating a coordinated assault with the Viet Cong to attack a hundred South Vietnamese cities and towns.

Jan 25, 1969

Peace Talks in Paris

Peace talks began in Paris January 25th, 1969.

Apr 30, 1969

Nixon announces attacks on Cambodia

President Nixon announces that U.S. troops will attack enemy locations in Cambodia. This news sparks nationwide protests, especially on college campuses.

May 5, 1969

Withdrawal of U.S. Troops

Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam began in July 1969.

Jun 2, 1969

Nixon becomes President

Richard Nixon became the new U.S. President

Sep 3, 1969

Ho Chi Minh Dies

Communist revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh dies at age 79.

Mar 30, 1972

Easter Offensive

Also known as the Spring Offensive.
North Vietnamese staged a massive assault. They crossed over the demilitarized zone at the 17th parallel and invaded South Vietnam.

Jan 27, 1973

The Parice Peace Accords

Succeeded in producing a cease-fire agreement.

Mar 29, 1973

Last U.S. Troops Leave Vietnam

The last U.S. Troops left Vietnam on March 29th, 1973.

Apr 30, 1975

Reunification of Vietnam

In early 1975, North Vietnam made another big push south which toppled the South Vietnamese government. South Vietnam officially surrendered to communist North Vietnam on April 30th, 1975.