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Ho Chi Minh Creates Democratic Republic of Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh, a leader of the communist revolution, declares Vietnam's independence from France, creating the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. -
Peter Dewey, American Lieutenant Colonel, Dies in Vietnam
Troops of Viet Minh (Ho Chi Minh's army) shoot and kill American Lieutenant Colonel Peter Dewey, who was in Vietnam as part of Operation EMBANKMENT. Operation EMBANKMENT aimed at rescuing prisoners of World War II. -
Recognition of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam Begins
China and the Soviet Union recognize the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. China begins sending military aid, in the form of advisers and equipment to the Viet Minh. -
American Military Aid Sent to Pro-French Forces
President Harry Truman begins sending military aid in the form of tanks, weapons, advisors, planes, etc. to pro-French forces. Military aid from the United States increases by $15 million by July of 1950. -
French Forces Surrender at Dien Bien Phu
Viet Minh defeats French forces at Dien Bien Phu. -
Geneva Accords are Created and Signed
The Geneva Accords establish a cease-fire in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as establish that a general election will occur in two years to unite the government of South and North Vietnam. -
The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization is Created
The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization is created with members such as the United States, Australia, Great Britain, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Thailand. SEATO was aimed at monitoring Communist expansion in Southeast Asia. -
Ngo Dihn Diem Wins Election, Becomes President
After a fradulent election, Ngo Dihn Diem is elected Chief of State and claims to be the first President of the Republic of Vietnam, changing the government from one of communism to one of dictatorship. -
Vietnam Advisory Campaign is Created by the U.S. Air Force
The Vietnam Advisory Campaign is created to last from November 15, 1961 to March 1, 1965 and designates seventeen campaigns by the U.S. Air Force in Southeast Asia. -
President Ngo Dihn Diem Overthrown, Murdered
The Army of the Republic of Vietnam overthrow President Ngo Dihn Diem, and assassinate him and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu. These actions were committed with the implicit support of the United States. -
Gulf of Tonkin Attack
Three North Vietnamese vessels fire torpedoes at the USS Maddox, a Unied States destroyer stationed at the Gulf of Tonkin. The USS Maddox retaliates, bombing all three South Vietnamese vessels. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution - U.S. Military Involvement in Vietnam
President Johnson drafts the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which states that U.S. military involvement and intervention will begin in Vietnam if necessary. The resolution states that the President may authorize any and all "necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States". -
First U.S. Marines Deployed to Da Nang, Vietnam
Two Marine battalions are deployed, one by air and one by sea, to Da Nang, Vietnam, to defend the United States airfield. -
First U.S. Army Combat Unit Deployed to Vietnam
The 173d Airborne Brigade, the first U.S. Army combat unit is deployed to the Bien Hoa airbase in Vietnam. -
Troop Increase Announced by President Johnson
President Johnson annouces to increase troops from 75,000 to 125,000. -
Pacification Becomes Priority for President Johnson
President Johnson announces his stand for pacification at the Honolulu Conference. He employs both U.S. and South Vietnamese officials to begin programs aimed at health, education, and democracy in Vietnam. -
Operation Cedar Falls
16,000 U.S. troops and 14,000 South Vietnamese troops are deployed to destroy Vietcong operations at the Iron Triangle, near Saigon. -
Massacre at My Lai
Members of the 23d infantry Division of the United States army kill approximately 500 Vietnam citizens in My Lai. -
Paris Peace Talks Begin
President Johnson begins peace talks with North Vietnam in Paris, France. -
Richard M. Nixon Becomes President
Richard M. Nixon is elected President of the United States. -
United States Bombing in Cambodia
The United States begins bombing North Vietnamese forces in Cambodia. The bombings aimed to reduce the amount of North Vietnamese troops and supplies entering into South Vietnam. -
Highest Number of Troops Recorded in Vietnam
By the end of April, 1969, the highest number of U.S. troops were recorded in Vietnam: 543,482. The withdrawing of American troops begins. -
Pentagon Papers Published
The Pentagon Papers, which depict the U.S. military policies in Vietnam, are leaked and published by the New York Times. -
Paris Peace Accords Signed
The Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the United States, the Viet Cong, and the Republic of Vietnam sign the Paris Peace Accords, agreeing to end war in Vietnam, withdraw U.S. troops and ending the draft. -
Vietnam War Ends, Saigon Surrenders to Communistsm as U.S. Evacuates
Saigon surrenders to the North Vietnamese forces, ending resistance to the communist party. American forces complete evacuation of Vietnam, ending all U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
