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Domino Theory coined- Eisenhower - inlight of Vietnam
The "domino theory" was one of the most famous phrases, coined by Eisenhower when he suggested that the fall of the French Indochina to communists could create a "domino" effect in Southeast Asia- with other countries falling to communism as well. It was a real fear at the time and the theory dominated U.S thinking about Vietnam for the next decade. It was very significant because it shaped the way people saw the war for years. -
Geneva Accords
The Geneva Accords were signed in July, but started taking place in April. The Geneva Accords were an agreement where the French agreed to withdraw their troops from Northern Vietnam, which was temporarily divided at the 17th parallel. They were significant because they brought an end to the first Indochina war. -
Assassination of Diem
Ngo Dinh Diem was a Vietnamese politician who also served as president of South Vietnam from 1955 until he was captured and assassinated by a group of Vietnamese army officers. This was significant because his government was overthrown at this time as well. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
This 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 any further aggression" by the communist government of North Vietnam. It was significant because it effectively launched America's involvement within the Vietnam War. -
LBJ ordered 1st troops to Vietnam
On March 8th, 1965, President Johnson's U.S Marines waded on to the beaches at Danang, becoming the first combat troops form the United States to be dispatched to South Vietnam. This was significant because it began U.S involvement in the Vietnam war- the americanization of a generational Vietnamese war. -
Tet Offensive
Tet Offensive was a major escalation and one of the largest military campaigns of the entire Vietnam War, beginning in January 31st of 1968 and ending in September of the same year. It consisted of simultaneous attacks under the direction of the North Vietnamese, and the attacks were carried out against five major South Vietnamese cities. -
My Lai Massacre
The My Lai massacre happened on March 16th, 1968. The massacre was one of the most horrific incidents of violence in the Vietnam war against unarmed civilians- American soldiers brutally killed women, children, and old men in the My Lai village. This was significant because it sparked more disgust with the war and anti-American thoughts within the country. -
Nixon’s Vietnamization Policy
Nixon's Vietnamization Policy began in January of 1969 and went on until April 1975. The policy was created by his administration to end U.S involvement in the Vietnam War by instead equipping and training the Vietnamese soldiers. It was significant because it did reduce the amount of American troops fighting in Vietnam. -
Nixon sends troops into Cambodia
Nixon launched raids against Cambodia as well as Laos to disrupt the Vietnamese supply lines. He did this because he wanted to secure peace by fighting alongside the South Vietnamese troops attacking the communist bases. This act was significant because it was one of the most controversial acts of the war, as Cambodia was neutral. -
Kent State Shooting
On May 4th, 1970, four Kent State University students were shot and killed and nine were injured by the Ohio National Guard after they were called in due to large anti-war protests forming on the campus. This was very significant as it led to many closures of colleges in fear of anti-war protests similar to that of Kent, and it tilted the public opinion of the Vietnam war. -
Hard Hat Riot
The Hard Hat Riot took place in New York City on May 8th, 1970. It started around noon when ~400 construction workers and ~800 office workers attacked 1,000 student anti-war strike members. This attack, or riot, helped show that despite the antiwar movement, the "silent majority" of America supported the efforts in Vietnam. This was significant because it showed new representation for this majority group. -
Nixon’s Christmas bombing
This bombing was also called operation linebacker II, and it was an aerial bombing campaign against Vietnam. The bombing brought no concessions from the enemy, it's purpose and significance was to persuade the South Vietnamese to go along with an armistice to which they were violently opposed. -
Paris Peace Accords
The Paris Peace Accords were signed by the United States, South Vietnam, the Viet Cong and North Vietnam. They were agreements to ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam- it was a peace treaty and was signed in January once more in Paris. It was significant because it brought an end to one of the most controversial wars of all time. -
War Powers Act
This War Powers Act from 1973 was designed to limit the U.S president's ability to solely initiate or escalate military actions abroad. This was significant because it formed an important part of the U.S government's "checks and balances" where the law aimed to control the executive branch's power and keep the president from having too much control. -
Saigon Falls
The Fall of Saigon was also known as the Liberation of Saigon by the North Vietnamese. It was the capture of Saigon by the People's Army of Vietnam and it was significant as it effectively ended the Vietnam War for not only the U.S, but the Vietnamese as well.