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Viet Minh is Formed
Ho Chi Minh eventually returned to Vietnam and established the Viet Minh in order to push French and Japanese occupants from Vietnam. -
Democratic Republic of Vietnam Established
Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh captured major cities in Vietnam, declaring Vietnam an independent state. -
U.S. Military Involvement in Vietnam Begins
President Harry Truman authorized $15 million in military aid in the form of supplies and advisors to the French. The French attempted to take back control of North Vietnam and the U.S. assisted them because they feared the spread of Communism. -
The French Surrender
The French are defeated at Dien Bien Phu and officially surrenders. The French completely withdrawl from Vietnam ending nearly a decade of war between French and Viet Minh. -
Geneva Conference Resolution
Geneva Conference provides peaceful solution to Vietnam by ordering a ceasefire and dividing Vietnam in half at the 17th parallel. Ho Chi Minh and communist controlled the north, while Bao Dai's regime controlled the South. -
Viet Cong Emerges
The National Liberation Front, also known as the Viet Cong is established by disgruntled South Vietnamese whom are tired of Diem's corrupt government and oppression. They eventually lead coup and assasinate Diem of South Vietnam. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
North Vietnamese fire on two U.S. Ships in international waters. -
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Both Congress and the House of Representatives passed the Resolution proposed by President Lyndon Johnson. The resolution gave the president the authority to escalate U.S. Military involvement in Vietnam. -
First U.S. Ground Troops arrive to Vietnam
President Johnson orders the first 3,500 marines to Vietnam. -
The Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive is remembered as a turning point in the Vietnam War. The Viet Cong launched a coordinated surprise attack along with the help of the NVA. They attacked hundreds of cities and towns as well as the U.S. Embassy in Saigon which was overrun and highly televised. It was at this point in time that not only did the U.S. realize they were losing the war but were also losing the support of the American people. -
My Lai Massacre
Over 300 Vietnamese civilians are massacred by U.S. military personnel. The horrific event is concealed for a year but ultimately images of the massacre emerge, enraging the american people. -
America Protest Begin
American college students refuse to attend school as a protest to the Vietnam war. This event marks the begining of many more protest to come that exemplify the public's opinion on the war. -
First U.S. Troops Begin to Withdraw from South Vietnam
President Nixon orders the first combat troops to leave Vietnam. It would not be until 1973 until all soldiers returned home. -
Paris Peace Accords Signed
Paris Peace talks were successfull and the Accords were signed resulting in the end of war and a cease fire throughout Vietnam and a demiliterazied zone at the 17th parallel. -
Last U.S. Troops leave Vietnam
The last of U.S. combat troops and military advisors leave a weak and vulnerable South Vietnam behind.
