History of Vietnam War in Timeline
The Vietnam War was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia between North Vietnam and its communist allies (Soviet Union and China) and South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other anti-communist nations. Escalating in 1965, the US directly intervened militarily until 1973. The war was a proxy conflict during the Cold War. Fighting extended into Laos and Cambodia, resulting in all three nations becoming communist by 1975.
1930: Establishment of the Indochinese Communist Party
In 1930, Nguyen Sinh Cung established the Indochinese Communist Party, a Marxist–Leninist political organization aiming to overthrow French rule and create an independent communist state in Vietnam.
1941: Establishment of the Viet Minh
In 1941, Nguyen Sinh Cung, now known as Ho Chi Minh, returned to Vietnam and established the Viet Minh, an anti-Japanese resistance movement advocating for independence.
1944: US Support for the Viet Minh
Beginning in 1944, the US Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) provided the Viet Minh with weapons and training to fight the occupying Japanese and Vichy French forces.
1945: Vietnamese government estimates of war deaths
From 1945 to 1979, Vietnamese government figures estimate 1.1 million dead and 300,000 missing.
1946: Escalation into Full-Scale War
By 1946, tensions between the Viet Minh and French authorities had escalated into full-scale war, becoming intertwined with the Cold War.
March 1947: Truman Doctrine Announcement
On March 12, 1947, US President Harry S. Truman announced the Truman Doctrine, pledging US support to nations resisting "attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures".
February 1950: US Recognition of the State of Vietnam
In February 1950, the United States recognized the French-backed State of Vietnam in Saigon as the legitimate government of Vietnam, following the recognition of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam by the Soviet Union and China.
July 1950: Chinese Military Assistance to Viet Minh
In July 1950, military advisors from China began assisting the Viet Minh, transforming them from a guerrilla force into a regular army with Chinese weapons, expertise, and laborers.
September 1950: Creation of Military Assistance and Advisory Group (MAAG)
In September 1950, the US created the Military Assistance and Advisory Group (MAAG) to screen French requests for aid, advise on strategy, and train Vietnamese soldiers, reinforcing the Truman Doctrine.
1953: Agrarian Reforms in North Vietnam
Between 1953 and 1956, the North Vietnamese government instituted agrarian reforms, including "rent reduction" and "land reform," which led to political oppression and executions.
1953: Soviet Hardware Donations
Between 1953 and 1991, the Soviet Union donated significant hardware to North Vietnam, including tanks, APCs, artillery guns, anti-aircraft guns, missile launchers, and helicopters.
May 1954: French Surrender at Dien Bien Phu
On May 7, 1954, the French garrison at Dien Bien Phu surrendered, marking the end of French military involvement in Indochina. Independence was granted to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam at the Geneva Conference.
1954: Geneva Conference and Partition of Vietnam
At the 1954 Geneva Conference, Vietnam was temporarily partitioned at the 17th parallel. Elections were planned for 1956 to establish a unified government, but the US objected to the resolution.
1954: PAVN/VC Democide
Between 1954 and 1975, PAVN/VC troops killed 164,000 civilians in democide in South Vietnam.
1954: US Support for French Military Effort
By 1954, the US had spent $1 billion in support of the French military effort, covering 80% of the war's cost.
1954: Battle of Dien Bien Phu and US Considerations
During the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, US carriers sailed to the Gulf of Tonkin, and the US considered using tactical nuclear weapons, though the extent of consideration remains vague. President Eisenhower ultimately decided against intervention.
1954: Democide by South Vietnam during the Diem-era
During the Diem-era, an estimated 39,000 were killed by South Vietnam in democide.
1954: South Vietnam military death toll
From 1954 to 1959, the military of South Vietnam suffered some deaths.
1954: Geneva Conference Inspiration
In 1954, early opposition to US involvement drew its inspiration from the Geneva Conference. American support of Diệm in refusing elections was seen as thwarting the democracy America claimed to support.
April 1955: Launch of "Denounce the Communists" Campaign
On 11 April 1955, Ngô Đình Diệm launched the "Denounce the Communists" campaign, leading to the arrest, imprisonment, torture, or execution of suspected communists and anti-government elements.
June 1955: Diệm Eliminates Political Opposition
From April to June 1955, Ngô Đình Diệm launched operations to eliminate political opposition in South Vietnam, targeting religious groups like the Cao Đài and Hòa Hảo, as well as the Bình Xuyên organized crime group. The Bình Xuyên were defeated in April after a battle in Saigon. Diệm blamed the communists for the mounting opposition to his tactics.
October 1955: Diệm's Referendum and Declaration of the Republic of Vietnam
In October 1955, Ngô Đình Diệm rigged a referendum on the future of the State of Vietnam, supervised by his brother Ngô Đình Nhu, and claimed 98% of the vote. He then declared South Vietnam to be an independent state named the Republic of Vietnam (ROV), with himself as president. Ho Chi Minh also won at least 99% of the vote in North Vietnamese "elections".
1955: Vietnamese government releases estimate of war deaths
From 1955 to 1975, the Vietnamese government released its estimate of war deaths, including battle deaths of Vietnamese soldiers in the Laotian and Cambodian Civil Wars.
1955: Start of violent war deaths in Vietnam
From 1955 to 2002, one source estimates up to 3.8 million violent war deaths in Vietnam.
March 1956: Lê Duẩn Presents "The Road to the South" Plan
In March 1956, southern communist leader Lê Duẩn presented a plan to revive the insurgency, entitled "The Road to the South", to the Politburo in Hanoi. The plan was initially rejected due to opposition from China and the Soviets.
August 1956: Death Penalty Instituted for Communist Activity
In August 1956, Ngô Đình Diệm instituted the death penalty against activity deemed communist.
October 1956: Launch of Land Reform Program
In October 1956, Ngô Đình Diệm launched a land reform program to limit the size of rice farms per owner, making 1.8 million acres available for purchase by landless people.
1956: Assessment of Ho Chi Minh's Popularity
According to the Pentagon Papers commenting on Eisenhower's observation, by 1956, it was believed that Ho Chi Minh's potential vote share in a free election against Diem would be much smaller than 80%.
1956: Planned Unified Government Elections
Elections throughout Vietnam were to be held in 1956 to establish a unified government under the Geneva Accords, but they did not occur due to objections from the US.
1956: Admission of Excesses in Land Reform
In 1956, leaders in Hanoi admitted to "excesses" in implementing the land reform program and restored much of the land to the original owners.
April 1957: Insurgent Assassination Campaign Begins
In April 1957, insurgents in Vietnam launched an assassination campaign referred to as "extermination of traitors".
May 1957: Diệm's State Visit to the US
In May 1957, Ngô Đình Diệm made a 10-day state visit to the US. President Eisenhower pledged continued support, and a parade was held in Diệm's honor. Secretary of State Dulles privately conceded that Diệm was supported due to a lack of better alternatives.
November 1957: Imprisonment and Killings Reported by North Vietnam
By November 1957, the North Vietnamese government claimed that over 65,000 individuals were imprisoned and 2,148 killed as part of the "Denounce the Communists" campaign.
May 1958: North Vietnamese Forces Seize Transportation Hub
In May 1958, North Vietnamese forces seized the transportation hub at Tchepone in Southern Laos, near the demilitarized zone between North and South Vietnam.
1958: Political Prisoners Jailed
By the end of 1958, according to Gabriel Kolko, 40,000 political prisoners had been jailed.
January 1959: North Vietnamese Communist Party Approves "People's War"
In January 1959, the North Vietnamese Communist Party approved a "people's war" on the South.
August 1959: First Arms Delivery Via Ho Chi Minh Trail
The first arms delivery via the upgraded Ho Chi Minh trail was completed in August 1959.
1959: Implementation of Law 10/59
By early 1959, Diệm considered the violence to be an organized campaign and implemented Law 10/59, which made political violence punishable by death and property confiscation.
1959: South Vietnam military death toll
From 1954 to 1959, the military of South Vietnam suffered some deaths.
1959: Growth of Viet Cong Forces
From 1959, the Viet Cong's ranks grew from approximately 5,000 to about 100,000 by the end of 1964.
January 1960: Increase in Clashes Between Insurgents and Government Forces
In January 1960, violence between insurgents and government forces increased drastically, with 180 clashes recorded, rising to 545 by September.
April 1960: North Vietnam Imposes Military Conscription
In April 1960, North Vietnam imposed military conscription for men.
September 1960: COSVN Orders Coordinated Uprising
In September 1960, COSVN, North Vietnam's southern headquarters, ordered a coordinated uprising in South Vietnam against the government. As a result, a third of the population was soon living in areas under communist control.
December 1960: Formation of the Viet Cong
In December 1960, North Vietnam formally created the Viet Cong (VC) in Memot, Cambodia, with the intent of uniting all anti-GVN insurgents, including non-communists. The VC aimed to withdraw American advisors, implement land reform, liberalize the GVN, and neutralize Vietnam.
1960: Stalling of Land Reform Program
By 1960, Diệm's land reform program had stalled because many of Diệm's biggest supporters were large landowners.
1960: South Vietnam military death toll
From 1960 to 1974, the military of South Vietnam suffered an estimated 254,256 killed.
1960: Vietnamese government estimates of war deaths
From 1960 to 1975, Vietnamese government figures estimate approximately 849,000 dead and 232,000 missing.
1960: Increased US Military Advisors
In 1960, President John F. Kennedy increased US involvement in Vietnam, raising the number of military advisors from 900 to 16,000 by 1963 and providing more aid to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN).
1960: U.S. Presidential Election
In the 1960 U.S. presidential election, Senator John F. Kennedy defeated incumbent Vice President Richard Nixon. Although Eisenhower warned Kennedy about Laos and Vietnam, Europe and Latin America "loomed larger than Asia on his sights."
1961: Infiltration of Communist Soldiers to the South
From 1961 to 1963, approximately 40,000 communist soldiers infiltrated the south from North Vietnam.
1961: US begins widespread use of chemical defoliants
From 1961-71, the US military widely used chemical defoliants, spraying 20 million gallons of toxic herbicides (like Agent Orange) on 6 million acres of forests and crops.
1961: Increase in U.S. Troops Deployed to Vietnam
In 1961, U.S. troop numbers deployed to Vietnam were 2,000.
1961: Kennedy Administration's Cold War Policy
In 1961, the Kennedy administration continued the Cold War foreign policy inherited from previous administrations. Facing crises such as the Bay of Pigs Invasion, Laotian settlement negotiations, the Berlin Wall, and the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy was determined to prevent a communist victory in Vietnam to maintain US credibility.
April 1962: John Kenneth Galbraith Warns Kennedy of Colonial Replacement
In April 1962, John Kenneth Galbraith warned President Kennedy of the "danger we shall replace the French as a colonial force in the area and bleed as the French did."
July 1962: Agreement on Laos' Neutrality
In July 1962, 14 nations, including China, South Vietnam, the Soviet Union, North Vietnam, and the US, signed an agreement promising to respect Laos' neutrality.
1962: China Agrees to Supply Rifles and Guns
In the summer of 1962, Mao Zedong agreed to supply Hanoi with 90,000 rifles and guns free of charge.
January 1963: Battle of Ấp Bắc
On 2 January 1963, the Battle of Ấp Bắc took place, revealing the inept performance of the ARVN. The VC won against a larger and better-equipped South Vietnamese force. The ARVN lost 83 soldiers and 5 US helicopters, while the VC lost only 18 soldiers. The ARVN forces were led by General Huỳnh Văn Cao.
May 1963: Huế Phật Đản Shootings
In May 1963, discontent with Diệm's policies exploded following the Huế Phật Đản shootings of nine Buddhists protesting the ban on displaying the Buddhist flag on Vesak, Buddha's birthday. This resulted in mass protests against discriminatory policies favoring Catholics.
August 1963: ARVN Special Forces Raid Pagodas
On 21 August 1963, the ARVN Special Forces, loyal to Ngô Đình Nhu, raided pagodas, causing widespread destruction and leaving a death toll into the hundreds during the Buddhist crisis.
November 1963: Increased US Military Personnel in Vietnam
By November 1963, President Kennedy had increased the number of US military personnel in Vietnam to 16,000. Eisenhower had put 900 advisors in Vietnam.
November 1963: Decline of the Strategic Hamlet Program
By November 1963, the Strategic Hamlet Program in Vietnam had waned.
November 1963: Overthrow and Assassination of Diệm
Diệm was overthrown and executed, along with his brother, on 2 November 1963. The U.S. ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge congratulated the coup leaders. Kennedy, who had not anticipated Diệm's murder, was shocked and dismayed.
November 1963: Johnson Focuses on Vietnam After Kennedy Assassination
In November 1963, following President Kennedy's assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson became president and immediately focused on the Vietnam War, determined to combat communism with strength and determination, adhering to the domino theory.
1963: Infiltration of Communist Soldiers to the South
From 1961 to 1963, approximately 40,000 communist soldiers infiltrated the south from North Vietnam.
1963: Increasing Viet Cong Control in Countryside
In 1963, the CIA warned that the Viet Cong retained de facto control of much of the countryside and had steadily increased the overall intensity of their efforts.
January 1964: Overthrow of Dương Văn Minh's Regime
In January 1964, General Nguyễn Khánh overthrew Dương Văn Minh's regime, marking persistent instability in the South Vietnamese military with several coups occurring in a short period of time.
August 1964: Gulf of Tonkin Incident
On August 2, 1964, the USS Maddox engaged with torpedo boats in the Gulf of Tonkin. A second attack was reported two days later on USS Turner Joy and Maddox. Doubts later emerged about the validity of the second attack, with evidence suggesting it may not have occurred.
December 1964: Battle of Bình Giã
In December 1964, ARVN forces suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Bình Giã, signaling a shift in VC tactics towards conventional warfare.
1964: Growth of Viet Cong Forces to 100,000
By the end of 1964 the Viet Cong grew to about 100,000 forces.
1964: Democide by South Vietnam
From 1964 to 1975, an estimated 50,000 people were killed in democide by South Vietnam. The Phoenix Program, coordinated by the CIA, resulted in the deaths of 26,000 to 41,000 people, including an unknown number of innocent civilians.
1964: Gulf of Tonkin Incident and Resolution
In 1964, following the Gulf of Tonkin incident, the US Congress passed a resolution granting President Lyndon B. Johnson the authority to increase military presence in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war.
1964: U.S. Bombing of Laos Begins
In 1964, the U.S. began aerial bombardment against the Pathet Lao and PAVN forces in Laos to prevent the collapse of the Royal central government and deny use of the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
1964: End of the Strategic Hamlet Program
The Strategic Hamlet Program which was initiated in 1961, ended in 1964.
February 1965: Initiation of Airstrikes Following Attack on U.S. Army Base
In February 1965, after an attack on a U.S. Army base, airstrikes were initiated against North Vietnam, coinciding with Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin's state visit.
March 1965: Operation Rolling Thunder Begins
In March 1965, Operation Rolling Thunder commenced, expanding aerial bombardment and ground support operations to force North Vietnam to cease its support for the Viet Cong.
March 1965: U.S. Marines Land in Da Nang
On March 8, 1965, 3,500 U.S. Marines landed near Da Nang, South Vietnam, marking the beginning of the American ground war. The initial assignment was defense of Da Nang Air Base.
June 1965: South Vietnamese Forces Defeated at the Battle of Đồng Xoài
In June 1965, South Vietnamese forces were defeated at the Battle of Đồng Xoài.
July 1965: Soviet Military Personnel in Vietnam
From July 1965 to the end of 1974, some 6,500 officers and generals, as well as more than 4,500 soldiers and sergeants of the Soviet Armed Forces, observed the fighting in Vietnam.
September 1965: Public opinion on sending troops to Vietnam
In September 1965, six months after the beginning of Operation Rolling Thunder, Gallup, Inc. found 60% of Americans did not believe sending troops to Vietnam was a mistake.
November 1965: Battle of Ia Drang
In November 1965, the U.S. engaged in its first major battle with the PAVN, the Battle of Ia Drang. It involved large scale helicopter air assault and use of Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers.
1965: Increased Troop Deployment
By the end of 1965, the United States dramatically increased its troop deployment in Vietnam to 184,000 after the Gulf of Tonkin incident the year before.
1965: US Department of Defense figures for PAVN/VC killed
From 1965 to 1974, the US Department of Defense figure for PAVN/VC killed in Vietnam was 950,765.
1965: Soviet SAMs Fired at US Aircraft
In 1965, Soviet crews fired Soviet-made surface-to-air missiles at US aircraft in Vietnam.
1965: Arrival of Nguyễn Cao Kỳ and Nguyễn Văn Thiệu
In mid-1965, Air Marshal Nguyễn Cao Kỳ and General Nguyễn Văn Thiệu arrived at the head of a junta, leading to a stabilization of the political situation in South Vietnam.
1966: VC terrorism volume and lethality
Between 1966 and 1969, the Viet Cong's terrorism rivals or exceeds all but a handful of terrorist campaigns waged over the last third of the twentieth century, based on the definition of terrorists as a non-state actor, and examining targeted killings and civilian deaths which are estimated at over 18,000.
1966: Continuation of Search and Destroy Tactics
During 1966, US forces continued search and destroy operations. The PAVN/VC insurgents remained elusive and demonstrated tactical flexibility.
1966: Russell Tribunal Organized
In 1966, the Russell Tribunal, led by Bertrand Russell, was organized to apply international law to the Vietnam War. It found the US and its allies guilty of aggression, using forbidden weapons, bombing civilian targets, mistreating prisoners, and genocide. These findings contributed to a counter-narrative against US justifications for the war.
January 1967: American Public Opinion
In January 1967, only 32% of Americans believed that the U.S. had made a mistake by sending troops to Vietnam.
October 1967: Shift in public opinion on sending troops to Vietnam
In October 1967, polling found a plurality believed sending troops to Vietnam was a mistake.
November 1967: Westmoreland's Public Relations Drive
In November 1967, Westmoreland spearheaded a public relations drive for the Johnson administration to bolster flagging public support and said that the end of the war was in sight.
December 1967: Westmoreland Predicts Victory
Westmoreland predicted victory by December 1967, however, Johnson did not communicate this change to the media, instead he emphasized continuity.
1967: Large-Scale Internal Refugees in South Vietnam
By 1967, the war had generated large-scale internal refugees, with 2 million in South Vietnam.
1967: VC/PAVN Murders and Kidnappings
From 1967 to 1972, the US Department of Defense estimates that the VC/PAVN conducted 36,000 murders and 58,000 kidnappings.
1967: Thiệu Becomes President
In 1967, Nguyễn Văn Thiệu became president of South Vietnam, with Nguyễn Cao Kỳ as his deputy, after rigged elections.
1967: Reforms Implemented
In 1967, reforms were implemented to address the disproportionate casualties and overrepresentation in hazardous duty experienced by African American servicemen.
1967: PAVN Diversionary Strategy
In late 1967, the PAVN lured American forces into the hinterlands at Đắk Tô and at the Marine Khe Sanh combat base as part of a diversionary strategy for the Tet Offensive.
1967: Substantiated Cases of War Crimes
The Vietnam War Crimes Working Group investigated war crimes between 1967 and 1971, including seven massacres in which at least 137 civilians were killed; 78 further attacks targeting non-combatants resulting in at least 57 deaths and 15 sexually assaulted; and 141 cases of US soldiers torturing civilian detainees, or prisoners of war with fists, sticks, bats, water or electric shock.
January 1968: Tet Offensive Begins
On January 30, 1968, the Tet Offensive began, with over 100 cities attacked by over 85,000 VC/PAVN troops, including the U.S. Embassy in Saigon. Most cities were recaptured within weeks, except Huế, which was held for 26 days.
February 1968: Phong Nhị and Phong Nhất massacre
In February 1968, the 2nd Marine Brigade reportedly killed between 69 and 79 civilians in Phong Nhị and Phong Nhất villages, Điện Bàn District in the Phong Nhị and Phong Nhất massacre.
March 1968: Westmoreland Removed From Command
In March 1968, Westmoreland was removed from command due to the fallout from the Tet Offensive and intelligence failures and was succeeded by Creighton Abrams.
August 1968: Majority believed sending troops to Vietnam was a mistake
In August 1968, during the third phase of the Tet Offensive, a majority of Americans believed sending troops to Vietnam was a mistake.
November 1968: End of Operation Rolling Thunder
In November 1968, Operation Rolling Thunder concluded after deluging North Vietnam with a million tons of missiles, rockets and bombs between March 1965 and November 1968.
1968: Peak Troop Deployment and Tet Offensive
By the end of 1968, US troop deployment in Vietnam reached 536,000. Also in 1968, North Vietnam launched the Tet Offensive, a tactical defeat that swayed many in the US to believe the war could not be won.
1968: Release of "The Green Berets"
In 1968, John Wayne's pro-war film "The Green Berets" was released, marking one of the first major cinematic depictions of the Vietnam War.
1968: Vietnam as a Political Issue in the U.S. Presidential Election
In 1968, Vietnam was a major political issue during the United States presidential election. The election was won by Republican Richard Nixon.
1968: Terrorist Victims
Statistics for 1968–1972 suggest about 80 percent of the terrorist victims were ordinary civilians and only about 20 percent were government officials, policemen, members of the self-defence forces or pacification cadres.
March 1969: Operation Menu: Secret Bombing Campaign in Cambodia
In March 1969, President Nixon initiated Operation Menu, a secret bombing campaign targeting communist sanctuaries along the Cambodia/Vietnam border. Only a few congressional officials were informed.
September 1969: Death of Ho Chi Minh and Shift in Hanoi's War Strategy
On September 2, 1969, Ho Chi Minh died. Following the Tet Offensive's failure to incite a southern uprising, Hanoi shifted its war strategy. The Giáp-Chinh "Northern-First" faction replaced the Lê Duẩn-Hoàng Văn Thái "Southern-First" faction in military affairs, favoring conventional conquest and small-unit attacks over large offensives.
October 1969: Nixon's "madman theory" and détente with Soviets and China
In October 1969, President Nixon ordered B-52s with nuclear weapons to fly near Soviet airspace to convince the Soviets, according to the "madman theory", that he was capable of anything to end the war. Nixon also pursued détente with the Soviet Union and rapprochement with China to decrease tensions and reduce nuclear arms, although Soviet support for North Vietnam continued.
October 1969: Vietnam Moratorium Attracts Millions
In October 1969, the Vietnam Moratorium attracted millions of Americans, marking a significant anti-war protest.
1969: American Troop Redeployment and ARVN Combat Operations in 1969
Beginning in 1969, American troops were withdrawn from border areas and redeployed along the coast and interior. ARVN took over combat operations, with casualties double those of US forces in 1969.
1969: VC terrorism volume and lethality
Between 1966 and 1969, the Viet Cong's terrorism rivals or exceeds all but a handful of terrorist campaigns waged over the last third of the twentieth century, based on the definition of terrorists as a non-state actor, and examining targeted killings and civilian deaths which are estimated at over 18,000.
1969: VC Small Unit Tactics in 1969
Between 1969-71 the VC and some PAVN units had reverted to small unit tactics typical of 1967 and prior, instead of nationwide offensives.
1969: US Army Identifies Weapon Types
By 1969, the US Army had identified 40 rifle/carbine types, 22 machine gun types, 17 types of mortar, 20 recoilless rifle or rocket launcher types, nine types of antitank weapons, and 14 anti-aircraft artillery weapons used by ground troops on all sides.
1969: Morale Collapse and Disobedience in US Forces
Following the Tet Offensive and decreasing public support, US forces began to experience morale collapse and disobedience in 1969. Only 2.5% of enlisted personnel chose infantry combat positions.
1969: Increased Drug Usage and "Search and Avoid" Tactics in 1969
From 1969, drug usage increased among US forces, and search-and-destroy operations became known as "search and avoid" operations, with falsified battle reports. In 1969, field performance was characterized by low morale and poor leadership.
1969: Vietnamization Policy Begins
In 1969, President Richard Nixon began the policy of "Vietnamization," shifting the primary combat role to an expanded Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) while the US forces withdrew.
1969: Growing Anti-War Movement and "Green Beret Affair"
In 1969, the anti-war movement in the US gained strength. The "Green Beret Affair", where eight Special Forces soldiers were arrested for the murder of a suspected double agent, sparked public outrage.
May 1970: North Vietnam Invades Cambodia and US/ARVN Launch Cambodian Campaign
In April-May 1970, North Vietnam invaded Cambodia at the request of the Khmer Rouge. In May 1970, US and ARVN forces launched the Cambodian Campaign to attack PAVN/VC bases.
May 1970: Kent State Killings and Anti-War Protests in May 1970
In May 1970, the US incursion into Cambodia sparked nationwide U.S. protests. Students were killed by National Guardsmen during a protest at Kent State University, which further fueled outrage and reinvigorated the anti-war movement. The US Air Force continued bombing Cambodia as part of Operation Freedom Deal.
1970: American Public Opinion shifts
By 1970, public opinion had steadily turned against the war, and only a third of Americans believed the U.S. had not made a mistake by sending troops to Vietnam.
1970: PAVN Transformation and Troop Composition Changes in 1970
By 1970, the PAVN had transformed into a highly mobile and mechanized combined arms force. Over 70% of communist troops in the south were northerners, effectively eliminating southern-dominated VC units.
1970: Continued Troop Redeployment and ARVN operations in 1970
In 1970 US casualties were less than half of 1969, after being relegated to less active combat. While US forces were redeployed, the ARVN took over combat operations, with casualties more than triple US ones in 1970.
1970: Nixon Announces Troop Withdrawals in 1970
In 1970, Nixon announced the withdrawal of an additional 150,000 American troops, reducing US numbers to 265,500. By 1970, nearly 70% of VC units were northerners.
1970: Conditions at Con Son Prison
In 1970, US congressmen witnessed detainees at Con Son Prison confined in "tiger cages" or chained, with poor food. Doctors found inmates suffering from forced immobility and torture. The International Red Cross also recorded cases of torture and inhumane treatment at US detention facilities. Torture was conducted by the South Vietnamese government in collusion with the CIA.
1970: Coup in Cambodia and US-ARVN Counter-Invasion
In 1970, a coup in Cambodia led to a PAVN invasion and a US-ARVN counter-invasion, escalating the Cambodian Civil War.
1970: Kent State Shooting
In 1970, the fatal shooting of four students at Kent State University led to nationwide university protests against the war.
February 1971: Operation Lam Son 719 and ARVN Attack on Ho Chi Minh Trail
In February 1971, the ARVN was tasked with Operation Lam Son 719, the first major ground operation to attack the Ho Chi Minh Trail, testing the Vietnamization program. Initial success slowed due to fierce resistance, and PAVN armored divisions surrounded them.
March 1971: Withdrawal of the 5th Special Forces Group in March 1971
In March 1971, the 5th Special Forces Group, the first American unit deployed to South Vietnam, withdrew.
1971: ROTC Enrollment Decline in 1971
By 1971, ROTC enrollment had decreased from 191,749 in 1966 to 72,459, depriving US forces of needed military leadership.
1971: Leak of the Pentagon Papers in 1971
In 1971, The New York Times received the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret history of US involvement in Vietnam. These documents detailed public deceptions by the government, and the Supreme Court ruled their publication was legal.
1971: Thiệu Wins One-Candidate Election
In 1971, Thiệu remained president, having won a one-candidate election.
1971: PAVN Counter-Offensive in Cambodia in 1971
In 1971, as part of Operation Chenla II, the PAVN launched a counter-offensive in Cambodia, recapturing most border areas and decimating Lon Nol's forces.
1971: Battle of FSB Mary Ann Highlights US Morale Decline in 1971
The Battle of FSB Mary Ann in 1971 demonstrated the decline in US morale, where a sapper attack inflicted serious losses on the U.S. defenders, attributed to dereliction of duty and lax defensive postures.
1971: Substantiated Cases of War Crimes
The Vietnam War Crimes Working Group investigated war crimes between 1967 and 1971, including seven massacres in which at least 137 civilians were killed; 78 further attacks targeting non-combatants resulting in at least 57 deaths and 15 sexually assaulted; and 141 cases of US soldiers torturing civilian detainees, or prisoners of war with fists, sticks, bats, water or electric shock.
October 1972: Kissinger-Tho Agreement and Deadlocked Negotiations
In October 1972, Henry Kissinger reached an agreement with North Vietnam's Lê Đức Thọ. However, negotiations became deadlocked when Hanoi demanded changes after Thiệu demanded changes to the peace accord.
December 1972: Operation Linebacker II Bombing Campaign in December 1972
In December 1972, Nixon ordered Operation Linebacker II, a bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong, to show support for South Vietnam and force Hanoi back to the negotiating table. Nixon pressured Thiệu to accept the agreement.
1972: US Troop Withdrawal
By 1972, most US troops had withdrawn from Vietnam.
1972: VC/PAVN Murders and Kidnappings
From 1967 to 1972, the US Department of Defense estimates that the VC/PAVN conducted 36,000 murders and 58,000 kidnappings.
January 1973: Majority believed sending troops to Vietnam was a mistake
In January 1973, at the signing of the Peace Accords, 60% of Americans believed sending troops to Vietnam was a mistake.
March 1973: US Forces Withdraw by March 1973
By March 1973, all US forces personnel were withdrawn from Vietnam.
March 1973: North Vietnam's New Strategy in March 1973
In meetings in Hanoi in March 1973, northern leaders crafted a new strategy to upgrade logistics and prepare for a massive invasion of the South, projected for the 1975–76 dry season.
March 1973: Nixon Implies Military Intervention
On March 15, 1973, Nixon implied the US would intervene militarily if the North launched a full offensive, leading to congressional opposition and the Case-Church Amendment.
1973: Decline in Anti-War Protests
Anti-war protests declined after the Paris Peace Accords and the end of the draft in 1973, as well as the withdrawal of troops.
1973: End of conscription in the US
Conscription in the US, which had been in place since World War II, ended in 1973.
1973: VC/PAVN Murders and Kidnappings
From 1967 to 1972, the US Department of Defense estimates that the VC/PAVN conducted 36,000 murders and 58,000 kidnappings.
January 1974: Thiệu Announces War Restarted on January 4, 1974
After clashes that left 55 ARVN soldiers dead, Thiệu announced on January 4, 1974, that the war had restarted and the Peace Accords were no longer in effect.
January 1974: PAVN Recaptures Territory in January 1974
The PAVN resumed offensive operations at the beginning of the dry season, and by January 1974 had recaptured territory it lost during the previous dry season.
August 1974: Ford Takes Over as US President in August 1974
Gerald Ford became US president in August 1974, and Congress cut financial aid to South Vietnam from $1 billion a year to $700 million.
October 1974: Trà Pleads for Larger Offensive in October 1974
In October 1974, inspired by the success of the dry season offensive, Trà returned to Hanoi and pleaded for a larger offensive the next dry season, which was approved by Lê Duẩn.
December 1974: PAVN Forces Attack Phước Long in December 1974
On December 13, 1974, PAVN forces attacked Phước Long to solve logistical problems, gauge the reaction of South Vietnamese forces, and determine whether the US would return.
1974: US Department of Defense figures for PAVN/VC killed
From 1965 to 1974, the US Department of Defense figure for PAVN/VC killed in Vietnam was 950,765.
1974: Soviet Military Personnel in Vietnam
From July 1965 to the end of 1974, some 6,500 officers and generals, as well as more than 4,500 soldiers and sergeants of the Soviet Armed Forces, observed the fighting in Vietnam.
1974: Girl from Hanoi film released
In Vietnam, in 1974 a film set during Operation Linebacker II was Girl from Hanoi, depicting war-time life.
January 1975: Phuoc Binh Falls in January 1975
On January 6, 1975, Phuoc Binh fell to PAVN forces. Ford's request for funds to assist South Vietnam was refused by Congress, leading to demoralization of the South Vietnamese elite.
March 1975: Campaign 275 Launched
In March 1975, Dũng launched Campaign 275, a limited offensive into the Central Highlands, targeting Ban Ma Thuột. The ARVN proved incapable of resisting the onslaught, leading to a collapse of forces. Hanoi was surprised by the speed of their success.
April 1975: Fall of Saigon
On April 30, 1975, PAVN troops entered Saigon, overcame resistance, and captured key buildings. Tanks crashed through the Independence Palace gates, and the VC flag was raised. President Dương Văn Minh surrendered at 2:30 PM.
1975: Indochina refugee crisis began
After 1975, over 3 million people left Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia in the Indochina refugee crisis. Between 1975 and 1998, an estimated 1.2 million refugees from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries resettled in the US.
1975: Migration after the war
Between 1975 and 1980, more than 1 million northerners migrated south, while around 750,000 to over 1 million southerners were moved to mountainous forested areas as part of the New Economic Zones program.
1975: Casualties by War Completion
By the war's completion in 1975, black casualties had declined to 13% of US combat deaths.
1975: Vietnamese government releases estimate of war deaths
From 1955 to 1975, the Vietnamese government released its estimate of war deaths, including battle deaths of Vietnamese soldiers in the Laotian and Cambodian Civil Wars.
1975: Democide by South Vietnam
From 1964 to 1975, an estimated 50,000 people were killed in democide by South Vietnam. The Phoenix Program, coordinated by the CIA, resulted in the deaths of 26,000 to 41,000 people, including an unknown number of innocent civilians.
1975: Refugee killings during Spring Offensive
In 1975, 155,000 refugees fleeing the North Vietnamese Spring Offensive were reported killed or abducted on the road to Tuy Hòa.
1975: Phnom Penh falls to the Khmer Rouge
In 1975, Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, fell to the Khmer Rouge, who later perpetrated a genocide, killing 1–3 million Cambodians.
1975: Pathet Lao overthrows the monarchy of Laos
In 1975, the Pathet Lao overthrew the monarchy of Laos, establishing the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
1975: Politburo Reassesses Strategy
In 1975, the Politburo reassessed its strategy, deciding to turn operations in the Central Highlands over to General Văn Tiến Dũng and seize Pleiku if possible, due to perfect military and political conditions. Although the South Vietnamese had more artillery, tanks, and armored vehicles, heightened oil prices and rushed Vietnamization rendered many assets inoperable.
1975: End of Thiệu's Presidency
Nguyễn Văn Thiệu remained president of South Vietnam until 1975.
July 1976: North and South Vietnam merge
In July 1976, North and South Vietnam were merged to form the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
1976: Reunification of Vietnam
In 1976, North and South Vietnam were officially reunified.
1976: Planned Campaign
In March 1975, the target of Campaign 275 was Ban Ma Thuột; if the town could be taken, the provincial capital Pleiku and the road to the coast, would be exposed for a campaign in 1976.
1977: President Jimmy Carter grants pardon to draft evaders
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter granted an unconditional pardon to all Vietnam-era draft evaders with Proclamation 4483.
1978: Estimates of South Vietnamese sent to re-education camps
In 1978, Amnesty International reported varying estimates of South Vietnamese sent to re-education camps, ranging from 50,000 to 300,000.
1978: Public view on the war
In 1978, US polling revealed nearly 72% of Americans believed the war was "fundamentally wrong and immoral."
1979: Vietnamese government estimates of war deaths
From 1945 to 1979, Vietnamese government figures estimate 1.1 million dead and 300,000 missing.
1980: Gabriel Garcia Marquez visited South Vietnam
In 1980, Gabriel García Márquez visited South Vietnam and described it as a "False paradise".
1986: Release of "Platoon"
In 1986, Oliver Stone's "Platoon" was released, contributing to the cinematic depictions of the Vietnam War era.
1989: Release of "Casualties of War" and "Born on the Fourth of July"
In 1989, "Casualties of War" and "Born on the Fourth of July" were released.
1991: Soviet Hardware Donations
Between 1953 and 1991, the Soviet Union donated significant hardware to North Vietnam, including tanks, APCs, artillery guns, anti-aircraft guns, missile launchers, and helicopters.
1991: Dissolution of Soviet Union
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russian officials acknowledged that the USSR had stationed up to 3,000 troops in Vietnam.
2002: End of violent war deaths in Vietnam
From 1955 to 2002, one source estimates up to 3.8 million violent war deaths in Vietnam.
2005: Declassification of NSA Publication
In 2005, an NSA publication was declassified, revealing there was no attack on August 4, 1964, during the Gulf of Tonkin incident.
2006: Vietnamese government estimated victims of dioxin poisoning
As of 2006, the Vietnamese government estimated there were over 4,000,000 victims of dioxin poisoning in Vietnam.
2008: Dismissal of Agent Orange lawsuit cemented
In 2008, an appeals court cemented the dismissal of a class action lawsuit by Vietnamese victims affected by Agent Orange against Dow Chemical and other US chemical manufacturers.
2012: US and Vietnam begin cleaning toxic chemicals
In 2012, the US and Vietnam began cooperatively cleaning toxic chemicals at Danang International Airport, marking the first time Washington was involved in cleaning up Agent Orange in Vietnam.
2013: US government pays Vietnam veterans and families
As of 2013, the US government pays Vietnam veterans and their families more than $22 billion annually in war-related claims.
Mentioned in this timeline
The United States of America is a federal republic of...
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics USSR existed from to...
India officially the Republic of India is a South Asian...
The Cold War - was a period of geopolitical tension...
John Wayne born Marion Robert Morrison and nicknamed the Duke...
World War II - was a global conflict between the...
Trending
10 minutes ago Yashasvi Jaiswal Surpasses Virat Kohli in Rare IPL Record, Displaying Exceptional Form.
10 minutes ago France mourns Muslim victim; Macron condemns hate after mosque attack in Italy.
11 minutes ago DOGE orders AmeriCorps grant cancellation; Newsom threatens lawsuit. Impact, future and consequences are considered.
1 hour ago Illinois Tollway warns customers about phishing scams involving unpaid toll fees via text.
1 hour ago Gerry Connolly Announces Retirement, Cites Cancer and Oversight Role Transition After Many Years.
2 hours ago Brazil Gains Support for Trade Deal as China Shifts to Brazilian Soybeans
Popular
Pope Francis is the current head of the Catholic Church...
Cristiano Ronaldo often nicknamed CR is a highly decorated Portuguese...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is an American businessman...
The Real ID Act of is a US federal law...
LeBron James nicknamed King James is a professional basketball player...
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...