13.2 | Vietnam War Timeline

Japan Surrendered to the Allies

1945

Military
Following the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan surrendered to the Allies, effectively ending World War II. This event fits under the military category as it marked the conclusion of a major military conflict.

Geneva Accords

1954

Political
The Geneva Accords were signed, dividing Vietnam into North and South at the 17th parallel, with Ho Chi Minh's communist forces controlling the North and the French-backed regime governing the South. This event is political in nature as it was a diplomatic agreement aimed at resolving territorial disputes.

Kennedy Increases Military Advisors

1961

Military
President John F. Kennedy increased the number of military advisors in South Vietnam to assist in training and supporting the South Vietnamese army. This event falls under the military category as it involved a strategic military decision to escalate American involvement in Vietnam.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

1964

Political
Following reported attacks on U.S. ships in the Gulf of Tonkin, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, granting President Lyndon B. Johnson broad powers to escalate military involvement in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war. This event is political as it represents a significant legislative action that expanded the President's authority in the conflict.

Tet Offensive

1968

Military
The Tet Offensive was a series of surprise attacks by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces on cities and military bases in South Vietnam during the Tet holiday. While militarily unsuccessful for the communists, it shocked the American public and eroded support for the war effort. This event is military in nature as it was a major offensive action during the Vietnam War.

Paris Peace Accords

1973

Political
The Paris Peace Accords were signed, officially ending U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and establishing a ceasefire. This event is political as it represents a diplomatic agreement aimed at resolving the conflict and withdrawing American troops from Vietnam.

Fall of Saigon

1975

Military
North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, effectively reunifying the country under communist control. This event is military in nature as it marked the final military victory for the communist forces in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Dedicated in Washington, DC

1982

Political
The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC, honoring those who served and died in the Vietnam War. This event is political as it represents a national acknowledgment of the war's impact and the sacrifices made by those who served.