vietnam war History Timeline and Biographies

1954

Geneva Accords and Division of Vietnam

The Geneva Conference led to the signing of the Geneva Accords, which temporarily divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel into North Vietnam, governed by the communists, and South Vietnam, backed by the United States and other Western allies. This division set the stage for the Vietnam War, as tensions escalated between the two regions over the following years. The agreements called for nationwide elections within two years, which were never held, further deepening the divide.

1955

Establishment of the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG)

In response to rising tensions in Vietnam, the United States established the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) in South Vietnam to provide military training and support to the South Vietnamese government, marking the beginning of U.S. involvement in the future Vietnam War. This organization facilitated the buildup of the South Vietnamese military to counter the communist threat from the North.

1960

Formation of the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam (NLF)

The National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, commonly known as the Viet Cong, was formed to oppose the South Vietnamese government and U.S. presence. The emergence of the Viet Cong intensified the conflict and marked a significant development in the Vietnam War as they employed guerrilla warfare tactics against U.S. and South Vietnamese forces.

1961

Increased U.S. Military Aid to South Vietnam

President John F. Kennedy increased U.S. military assistance to South Vietnam, sending more military advisors and equipment to support the South Vietnamese government against the communist insurgency, further deepening American involvement in the Vietnam War.

1964

Gulf of Tonkin Incident and Escalation of U.S. Involvement

The Gulf of Tonkin incident involved two reported attacks on U.S. naval vessels by North Vietnamese forces. In response, the U.S. Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, allowing President Lyndon B. Johnson to escalate military actions in Vietnam. This marked a significant turning point that led to large-scale U.S. combat operations in the Vietnam War.

1965

Introduction of Ground Troops into Vietnam

The United States officially deployed combat troops to Vietnam for the first time, with the landing of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade at Da Nang. This escalation marked the transition from advisory and support roles to active combat engagement, significantly intensifying the Vietnam War.

1968

Tet Offensive

The Tet Offensive was a major coordinated series of attacks by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces against South Vietnam during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Although militarily it was a setback for the communists, it dramatically shifted public opinion in the United States against the war and was a pivotal moment in the Vietnam War narrative.

1969

Vietnamization Policy Announced

President Richard Nixon introduced the Vietnamization policy, aiming to reduce U.S. military presence by transferring military responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces. This marked a shift in strategy during the Vietnam War, focusing on the training and equipping of local troops.

1970

U.S. Invasion of Cambodia

The U.S. Army and South Vietnamese forces launched an invasion of Cambodia to target North Vietnamese sanctuaries, escalating the Vietnam War further and provoking widespread protests in the United States. This controversial action highlighted the ongoing complexities of the conflict.

1973

Paris Peace Accords Signed

The Paris Peace Accords were signed in January, leading to a ceasefire and the eventual withdrawal of U.S. forces from Vietnam. This marked a formal end to American involvement in the Vietnam War, although fighting continued between North and South Vietnam.

1975

Fall of Saigon

The Fall of Saigon occurred on April 30, marking the end of the Vietnam War. North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, leading to the reunification of Vietnam under communist control. This event signaled the conclusion of a long and devastating conflict that left profound impacts on the Vietnamese people and the U.S.

1976

Vietnam was officially reunified as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on July 2, 1976. This consolidation marked the end of the Vietnam War's territorial divisions and the beginning of a new era for the nation amidst rebuilding efforts and challenges related to the war's aftermath.

1986

The Đổi Mới (Renovation) reforms initiated in 1986 aimed to transition Vietnam toward a socialist-oriented market economy. This marked a significant shift in post-war recovery and development, influenced by the long-term impacts of the Vietnam War on the economy and society.

2000

In July, the United States and Vietnam officially normalized diplomatic relations, signaling a culmination of reconciliatory efforts post-Vietnam War, transforming their interactions and laying the groundwork for future cooperation across various sectors.