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Vietnam's victory over French
Vietnam forces defeated the French troop at Dien Bien Phu Falls. France's resolve to carry on the war is shattered. France later surrendered to the war. -
Ngo Dinh Diem established Republic of Vietnam
Diem became the President of Vietnam and created the Republic of Vietnam. Many contries recognized his leadership, including the United States. -
First U.S. Combat Death
The first combat death in Vietnam was reported. For many American points of view, this event marked the beginning of the U.S. involvement in Vietnam War. -
Assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem
His death led to a coup's gaining control of the Vietnam. The United States supported Diem before, but realized he now was ineffective leader and send CIA to help a coup's assasination. The South Vietnamese General became new President. -
Gulf of Tonkin incident
USS Maddox, one of the U.S. battleship, was shot by torpidoes. This led to the United States' involvement in Vietnam War. This event would lead to the resolution from the government which was basically the declaration of war. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
This was the resolution to the Gulf of Tonkin incident. This gave President Johnson power to control military without Congress' permission. -
The Start of Operation Rolling Thunder
President Johnson authorized Operation Rolling Thunder, a limited but long bombing offensive. The objective was to stop the Northen Vietnam to spread communism to the South. Also show more involvement for the United States. The operation halted on 1969. -
First U.S. Combat Unit Dispatched
The first U.S. troops, approximately 20,000 soldiers, arrived at Vietnam at March 8, 1965. By the end of the year, more than 200,000 men were in war. -
King Protested Against the War
Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke out against U.S. foreign policy in Vietnam among 100,000 demonstrators. It raised more questions about the war and more people no longer support it. -
Beginning of the Tet Offense
The Viet Cong made a surprise attack. They attacked major cities and took over major buildings for a short period. This event is considered a turning point of the war because it showed that, despite high casualties, the Viet Cong could easily get more men. -
My Lai Massacre
The U.S. troops killed about two hundred civilians because the Viet Cong killed their men. This raised the question about the conduct of war. One of the officer from this incident was sentenced to life in prison. -
President Richard Nixon took office
President Richard Nixon took office as a United States President at January 20, 1969. To response to questions about unsettling war, Nexon promised to achieve "Peace with Honor." -
Pentagon Papers Published
The NY Times started publishing parts of Pentagon Papers which contains top-secret information about American political and military involvement in Vietnam. Citizens learned more about the war and its current situation. -
Paris Peace Accords Agreement
The Vietnams and the U.S. decided to end war, and have peace within the country. This document ended the long-lasting conflicts between the U.S. and the Northern Vietnam. The war, however, did not over. -
South Vietnam Fell
The acting president of South Vietnam, Doung Van Minh, delivered an unconditional surrender to the North Communist. This was the end of the Vietnam War.