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Introduction to Vietnam War

By schumannj

  • Ho Chi Minh is born.

    Ho Chi Minh is born.
    Ho Chi Minh was a Vietnamese revolutionary and communist leader. He was the primary antagonist to the USA during the Vietnam War.

  • Vietnam declares independence from France, but are not recognized.

    Vietnam declares independence from France, but are not recognized.
    Vietnam desperately wanted US support, but they did not get it. They responded with acts of violence and war.

  • Ngo Dinh Diem cancels elections in Vietnam

    Ngo Dinh Diem cancels elections in Vietnam
    He had established an autocratic regime that put himself and his family into undeniable power.

  • President Eisenhower declares the "Domino Theory."

    President Eisenhower declares the "Domino Theory."
    The Domino Theory was that as communism was instated into liberated nations, that soon the neighboring countries would fall victim to communism, like dominoes. Vietnam was one the nations the USA feared would fall to communism, which it did eventually.

  • The Geneva Accords divide Vietnam into North and South.

    The Geneva Accords divide Vietnam into North and South.
    Divided at the 17th parallel.

  • The Viet Minh and Ho Chi Minh defeat the French at Dien Bien Phu.

    The Viet Minh and Ho Chi Minh defeat the French at Dien Bien Phu.
    This battle led to US involvement in the war and added to our fear of spreading communism.

  • The National liberation Front is formed.

    The National liberation Front is formed.
    AKA the Viet Cong. They occupied North Vietnam

  • A South Vietnamese monk sets himself ablaze.

    A South Vietnamese monk sets himself ablaze.
    A Buddhist monk sets himself on fire in protest of oppression in Vietnam.

  • The USA withdraws support of Ngo Dinh Diem (South Vietnam)

    The USA withdraws support of Ngo Dinh Diem (South Vietnam)
    The USA supports a coup against Diem. He was arrested and assassinated.

  • JFK is assassinated, leaving LBJ as president.

    JFK is assassinated, leaving LBJ as president.
    LBJ made a significant effort to involve the military in Vietnam, rather than pull out, as he promised, and as JFK had intended. Many soldiers would not have been killed, and the USA would have retreated far earlier if JFK had not been assassinated.

  • LBJ announces that the North Vietnamese have attacked American ships.

    LBJ announces that the North Vietnamese have attacked American ships.
    The Maddox was allegedly attacked by the North Vietnamese on August, 4, 1964. LBJ responded with a national statement, and involved the USA heavily in the war from that point forward, now with national support.

  • The first combat troops arrive it Vietnam.

    The first combat troops arrive it Vietnam.
    LBJ sent active troops to Vietnam, signifying the beginning of a decade long war.