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Dien Bien Phu
This was the first attack on French forces. The Viet Minh prepared for the battle by loading the mountains and caves with artillery. They effectively attacked the French's strong points causing the French to lose access to the airfield. The French lost and surrendered. resources:
-http://www.history.com/topics/battle-of-dien-bien-phu
-http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
Land Reforms
In North Vietnam, lands reforms was the command of Ho Chi Minh. In the process of the reforms, many were murdered, tortured, or imprisoned. Many of these victims were financially well-off like landowners. Fearing for their well-being and even their life, many fled to South Vietnam. Resource:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
Birth of the Viet Cong
In order to defeat Diem, the South Vietnam president, the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam is created, which was also known as the National Liberation Front (NLF). Soldiers a part of the NLF become known as the Viet Cong. The government of North Vietnam provided the financial support of the NLF. Reference:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
Johnson meets Diem
Johnson goes to South Vietnam to talk with Ngo Dinh Diem. Johnson promised financial and military aid. 3,200 American soldiers were in Vietnam by the end of 1961. Reference:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
Diem Overthrown
The Diem regime is overthrown by the general of South Vietnam, Duong Van Minh. The U.S. encouraged and supported this. The next day, the general commands for Diem and his brother to be executed. The U.S. accepted Duong's military authority. Reference:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
USS Maddox
South Vietnam raids provoke the North. Thinking that the U.S. was involved with the raids, North Vietnamese boats shoot at the USS Maddox. Two days later, gunboats attack again. In response, Johnson commands for the first bombing of North Vietnam. Reference:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
By passing the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, Congress allowed Johnson to expand the war. They authorized Johnson to take "all necessary measures" in order to protect the U.S. from attacks. This was a symbol of Congress's support, although public support was still on the edge. Reference:
http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/gulf-of-tonkin-resolution -
SDS Anti-War Teach-in
The first anti-war teach-in is held at the University of Michigan by the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). Challenging support of the war, many partook in debates, presentations, and lectures. This was the first of many anti-war events, including protests and more teach-ins. Reference:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
First Direct Engagement
For the first time, U.S. soldiers engage in direct combat with Viet Cong. The "search and destroy" strategy is created. The strategy called for units to ambush the Viet Cong and then immediately retreat. Reference:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
Draft Destruction Penalities
In protest to the war, many men were destroying their draft cards. In response to this, the U.S. Congress passed an amendment that made it illegal to destroy draft cards. Penalties included a $10,000 fine and five years in prison. David J. Miller was the first to serve these penalties. Reference:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
Tet Offensive
Surprising U.S. forces, Viet Cong and North Vietnamese attack South Vietnam cities in waves. The fighting lasted for months and was shown through media coverage. American support for the war decreased even more, which eventually led to withdrawing troops. References:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html
http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/tet-offensive -
Kent State
To display their disapproval of the U.S. invading Cambodia, students held a huge public demonstration. As the demonstration continued, the National Guard came to Kent State. Protesters refused to listen and the Guard fired into the crowd, killing four and injuring nine. Reference:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
Ceasefire
In a peace treaty, the U.S., North Vietnam, and South Vietnam agree to a ceasefire. All countries sign the treaty. While South Vietnam commited to free elections, the U.S. promised to remove their combat troops. Reference:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
U.S. Stops Involvement in Combat
Although some military advisors and Marines were still left in Vietnam, the last combat soldier left Vietnam in March 1973. For the U.S., this symbolized the end of the Vietnam War. However, the war did not come without many losses. Out of the 3 million Americans who served in the war, almost 60,0000 died. Reference:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html -
Saigon
The North Vietnamese attack Saigon. Hearing of the attack previously, many South Vietnamese try to flee from the area. On the 30th, Saigon is taken over by the North, symbolizing the end of the war. Reference:
http://www.shmoop.com/vietnam-war/timeline.html
