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May 7-8, 1945 2 days
Germany Surrenders
Admiral Karl Donitz (leader of Germany since Hitler’s suicide), authorized General Alfred Jodl to conclude an armistace with the Western Allies on May 6 in order to continue the war with Russians. Eisenhower demanded full and unconditional... [more]
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July 4, 1945 49 years
Berlin is Occupied
When the war ended in May, the only Allied soldiers in Berlin were the Soviet forces that had fought their way in at the end of April 1945. Under the terms of the Yalta Agreement, Berlin was to be divided into four occupation zones (US, British,... [more]
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July 17 - August 2, 1945 17 days
Potsdam Conference
Harry Truman, Winston Churchill (later Clement Atlee), and Josef Stalin met in the German city of Potsdam to discuss the future of Europe. It had earlier been determined at the Yalta Conference that a meeting between the “Big Three” would be held... [more]
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August 1945
Korea is Liberated from Japanese Rule
In Korea, the end of World War II brought both U.S. and Soviet forces into the Korean peninsula as occupying powers. The occupation of the country took place with a minimum of friction between the two forces. It soon became apparent, however, that... [more]
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August 1945
Korea Partitioned Along 38th Parallel
In August of 1945 the Soviet Union and the United States agreed to divide Korea along the 38th parallel in order to accept the surrender of Japanese forces. The two armies occupied Korea, effectively dividing it into North and South zones. When the... [more]
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November 14, 1947
UN Resolution Calling for General Elections
On November 14, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 112(II) which called for a general election under the supervision of the UN Commission. However, the Soviet Union refused to comply with the UN resolution and denied the... [more]
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May 10, 1948
Elections Held in Korea
The first elections in Korea took place on May 10, 1948, in the area south of the 38th... [more]
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July 1948 - May 1949 10 months
Berlin Blockade and Airlift
Responding to the Western Allies currency reforms in the Western occupation zones, Stalin ordered the land access routes to Berlin to be blockaded. This act cut off over 2,500,000 people living in the Western zones with minimal food stocks. The... [more]
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August 15, 1948
Republic of Korea Established
Republic of Korea established. “On August 15, 1948 the government of the Republic of Korea was established. The Korean general assembly chose Syngman Rhee as the first president of the Korean Republic. Rhee was a Korean patriot, and previously had... [more]
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September 9, 1948
North Korea is Established
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was established on September 9, 1948, three weeks after the Republic of Korea had been formed in Seoul. Kim Il Sung was named premier, a title he retained until 1972, when, under a new constitution, he was... [more]
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January 1, 1949
US Extends Diplomatic Recognition to the Repbulic of Korea
US extended diplomatic recognition to the Republic of Korea (South... [more]
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April 1949
Formation of NATO
NATO, a mutual defense alliance between Western Europe and Th United States was formed in response to Soviet aggression in Europe. The initial members included the United States, Great Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Canada,... [more]
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May 23, 1949
Creation of West Germany
A new Federal Republic of Germany was formed by combining the French, British, and American occupation zones. Konrad Adenauer, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was elected the first Chancellor of the new FRG. The Western Allied... [more]
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October 7, 1949 Oct. 7, 1949 - Oct. 3, 1990
Creation of East Germany
In response to the creation of the new Federal Republic of Germany, the Soviet Union decided to create their own communist Germany in the Eastern Zone. Stalin picked Walter Ulbrict to head the new government, which was closely modeled on Stalinist... [more]
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January 12, 1950
Secretary Acheson Defines America's Defensive Perimeter in Asia
On January 12, 1950 Secretary of State Dean Acheson in a speech to the National Press Club defined America’s defensive perimeter in Asia without including Korea. Shortly thereafter on January 19, the Congress rejected a $60 million aid bill for... [more]
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June 25, 1950
North Korea Invades South Korea
At approximately 4 a.m. (Korean Standard Time) on a rainy Sunday morning Democratic People's Republic of Korea Army (DPRK - North Korea) artillery and mortars open fire on Republic of Korea (ROK - South Korea) Army positions south of the 38th... [more]
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June 30, 1950
Gen. MacArthur Receives Permission to Employ U.S. Ground Support Forces
Gen. MacArthur receives permission to employ U.S. ground support forces and to carry the war into North Korea and the waters offshore but to stay well clear of the Manchurian and Soviet borders. Later in the day he receives permission to deploy one... [more]
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July 7, 1950
United Nations Creates a UN Command in Korea
The United Nations issued Resolution 84, which created a United Nations Command which would be led by General Douglas... [more]
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September 11, 1950
Truman Approves NSC 81/1
Truman approved National Security Council (NSC) Report 81/1. The report endorsed plans for UN forces to occupy all of North Korea so they could eventually be... [more]
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September 15, 1950
US Lands at Inchon
On the morning of September 15, 1950, heavy fighting continued in the 1st Cavalry Division sector of the "Pusan Perimeter" north and west of Taegu. To the south in the 2nd Infantry Division "Naktong Bulge" sector, pockets of survivors from 2 North... [more]
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September 21, 1950
Liberation of Seoul
Liberation of Seoul (1st return) 21-30 Sept... [more]
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October 1-27, 1950 4 weeks
UN Forces Advance into North Korea
UN forces advanced into North... [more]
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October 15, 1950
Truman and MacArthur Meet at Wake Island
President Truman and General Douglas MacArthur met on October 15 on Wake Island in the Pacific Ocean. Truman met with MacArthur to voice his concerns over the possiblity of China entering the war. MacArthur reassured Truman that he did not think... [more]
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October 19, 1950
North Korean Capital Pyongyang Captured
UN forces moved into and captured the North Korean capital of Pyongyang on October 19th. The capture of the city came as UN forces under the command of Douglas MacArthur have pushed North Korean forces steadily back almost to the Yalu... [more]
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November 1, 1950
Intervention of Chinese Communist Forces (CCF)
The CCF intervention against U.S. X Corps in northeast North Korea was neither as massive nor as successful as its offensive against EUSA. The most intense combat in the X Corps sector occurred in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir. There,... [more]
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November 27 - December 6, 1950 2 weeks
Battle of the Changjin (Chosin) Resovoir
Battle of the Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir (Nov. 27 - Dec. 9). The encircled 1st Marine Division fights its way southward from the Chosin Reservoir to the port city of... [more]
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30 November -24 December 1950
X Corps Evacuation from Chosin and the Hungnam Operation
The 1st Marine Division begins its famous fighting withdrawal from Chosin Reservoir. The Fifth and Seventh Marine Regiments begin fighting their way to the First Marine Division command post at Hagari. They finally make it Dec. 4 after fighting... [more]
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December 23, 1950
Gen. Walton H. Walker is Killed
Gen. Walton H. Walker, commander of Eighth Army, is killed in a vehicle accident. The jeep the general was riding in smashed into a ROKA truck that pulled out of a side road while the General's jeep was trying pass a northbound convoy. . Lt. Gen.... [more]
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December 24, 1950
Hungnam Operation is Complete
Hungnam Operation is complete— The 3d Infantry Division sails for Pusan from Hungnam, completing the evacuation of the port city. In all, ships evacuated 105,000 Americans and South Korean soldiers, 91,000 civilian refugees, 17,500 vehicles and... [more]
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January 4, 1951
Seoul Recaptured by Communist Forces
The combined communist forces of China and North Korea recaptured the South Korean capital of Seoul. The capture of the city follows a fast retreat by UN forces in the face of a large offensive made possible by large Chinese reinforcements. The... [more]
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January 25-April 21,1951
UN Counteroffensive of 1951
In the winter of 1951 UN forces fighting in South Korea went on the offensive. After months of retreat following the Chinese intervention, the front lines were once again pushed North.
Although U.N. forces had stopped the communist... [more]
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February 1, 1951
UN Brands China as an Aggressor
The UN General Assembly issues Resolution 498(V) addressing the "Intervention of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China in Korea." The UN branded Communist China as an aggressor in Korea and called upon it to cease... [more]
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April 11, 1951
Gen. MacArthur Relived of Command
On April 11, 1951, the President relieved General MacArthur, triggering a firestorm of protest over our strategy not only in Korea, but in the Cold War as a whole. As the last great general of World War II to come home, MacArthur received a hero's... [more]
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April 22-May 22, 1951 1 month
CCF Spring Offensives of 1951
The first CCF Spring Offensive was launched on April 22 and lasted until April 29. The offensive was the largest single battle of the Korean War. The CCF attacked with 250,000 men in 27 divisions. Defending against the offensive were five U.S. Army... [more]
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July 21-Nov. 12, 1951 4 months
UN Summer and Fall Offensive
During the Summer and Fall of 1951 UN forces launched a general offensive. Throughout the summer months, and into the fall of 1951, the fighting was virtually continuous and aimed at achieving limited objectives.
U.N. military actions during... [more]
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June, 23, 1951
Jacob Malik Proposes Korean Truce
The USSR delgate to the UN, Jacob Malik, proposed a truce on the Korean... [more]
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July 10, 1951
Korean War Truce Talks Begin
Korean War truce talks began on this... [more]
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August 23, 1951
Communists Break of Truce Talks
The communist forces broke of the truce talks in... [more]
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October 25, 1951
Peace Talks are Resumed at Kaesong
Peace talks once again resumed at... [more]
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November 27, 1951
Cease-Fire Line is Agreed Upon
The truce talks in Panmunjom finally yielded results as the two sides agreed on a cease-fire line. The cease-fire line runs along the 38th... [more]
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November 27, 1951
38th Parallel Agreed On as Line of Demarcation
Nov. 27, 1951, the two sides agreed on the 38th Parallel as the line of demarcation and almost immediately military operations slowed... [more]
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December 18, 1951
P.O.W. Lists are Exchanged
P.O.W. lists are... [more]
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Winter 1952
Second Korean Winter
Consequently, for the rest of the winter and early spring, the action at the front consisted almost entirely of small forays and occasional clashes of patrols, while the Far East Air Forces (FEAF) and other U.N. aircraft flew almost daily close-air... [more]
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January 3, 1952
P.O.W. Exchange Proposal Rejected by Communists
Something... [more]
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February 18, 1952
Rioting in the Koje-de Prison Camp
Something... [more]
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May 7-May 12, 1952 5 days
Koje-do P.O.W. Camp Rioting
On May 7 General Dodd is captured by rioting Koje-do P.O.W.s. General Haydon Boatner replaced General Colson at Koje-do and he is able to put down the... [more]
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May 27, 1952
Martial Law is Delcared in Pusan
South Korean President Syngman Rhee declares martial law in... [more]
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Summer and Fall 1952
Summer and Fall of 1952
... [more]
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June 23, 1952
General Clark Orders Bombing of Power Plants
General Clark oders the bombing of North Korean power... [more]
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Oct 8, 1952
Truce Talks are Halted and General Clark Inititates Operation Showdown
After truce talks halt, General Clark initiates Operation... [more]
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November 15-27, 1952 2 weeks
DPRK Holds the "1952 P.O.W. Olympics"
The DPRK holds the 1952 P.O.W. Olympics in an effort to portray humane conditions in North Korean prisoner of war... [more]
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1953
Third Korean Winter
... [more]
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March 5, 1953
Joseph Stalin Dies
Stalin died in the Soviet Union. The death of Stalin prompted Permier Georgi Malenkov to voice support for a cease-fire... [more]
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March 5, 1953
Joseph Stalin Dies
Josef Stalin died in Moscow of a brain hemorage at the age of 74. Initially a collective leadership emerged, made up of Nikita Khrushchev, Georgy Malenkov, Lavrenty Beria, and Vyacheslav Molotov. First to go was Beria, who was accused of being a... [more]
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March 30, 1953
Truce Talks Resume at Panmunjom
Truce talks resume at Panmunjom after a nine month halt in the talks. The talks were moved from Kaesong so they could take place in a more neutral area between the battle... [more]
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Summer 1953
Summer of 1953
... [more]
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17 June 1953 1 day
East German Uprising
Popular resentment with the Ulbrict government exploded into open rebellion in June 1953. Striking factory works soon began calling for change in leadership and Ulbrict and the other East German communists turned to the Soviets for help. Soviet... [more]
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June 18, 1953
27,000 North Korean P.O.W.s Released
The Republic of South Korea released 27,000 North Korean prisoners into the country side. The prisoners had refused repatriation in North... [more]
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July 27, 1953
Korean War Armistice Signed
The United States, North Korea and China sign an armistice, which ends the war but fails to bring about a permanent peace. To date, the Republic of Korea (South) and Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea (North) have not signed a peace treaty. A... [more]
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September 10, 1953
Repatriation of P.O.W.s Begins
The repatriation of P.O.W.s beings at Freedom Village in... [more]
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May 1955
West Germany Joins NATO
After years of diplomatic manouvering and despite French fears, it was agreed to allow West Germany to reform an army and, in turn, to join the NATO alliance. The new army was limited to 600,000 men and tight alliance controls helped to dispell any... [more]
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May 1955
Creation of the Warsaw Pact
In direct response to the formation of the new West German army, the Soviet Union entered into a formal military alliance (similar to NATO) with East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. Named the Warsaw Pact, this... [more]
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February 24-25, 1956 2 days
Khruschev’s 'Secret' Speech
In a secret speech before a closed plenum of the 20th Congress of the CPSU, Khrushchev denounced Stalin’s cult of the personality. In addition, he revealed that Stalin had rounded up thousands of people and sent them into a huge system of political... [more]
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October 23-November 7, 1956 2 weeks
The Hungarian Revolution
During an open rebellion by the Hungarian people in response to the Stalinist line of its government, Imre Nagy emerged as a new Prime Minister on October 24 and began to lead the country away from the Soviet bloc. He officialy withdrew from the... [more]
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April 1960
Universal Military Conscription Imposed in North Vietnam
North Vietnam imposed universal military conscription with an indefinite tour of... [more]
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November 1960
Failed Coup in South Vietnam
A failed coup against President Diem by disgruntled South Vietnamese Army officers brings a harsh crackdown against all perceived 'enemies of the state. 'Over 50,000 are arrested by police controlled by Diem's brother Nhu with many innocent... [more]
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December 20, 1960
National Liberation Front Established
The National Liberation Front (NLF) is established by Hanoi as its Communist political organization for Viet Cong guerrillas in South... [more]
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1961
U.S. Support Troops Arrive in South Vietnam
South Vietnam signed a military and economic aid treaty with the United States leading to the arrival (1961) of U.S. support... [more]
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January 1961
Krushchev Pledges Support of North Vietnam
Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev pledges support for "wars of national liberation" throughout the world. His statement greatly encourages Communists in North Vietnam to escalate their armed struggle to unify Vietnam under Ho Chi... [more]
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June 4, 1961
Vienna Summit Between Khrushchev and Kennedy
The first meeting between the new President and Khrushchev covered a wide range of international issues, but focused on Berlin. Khrushchev indicated that he was going to sign a treaty with the East Germans that would infringe on Western access... [more]
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August 12/13, 1961
Berlin Wall is Begun
Walter Ulbrict officially ordered his police and security forces to begin construction of a barrier that would surround West Berlin, effectively cutting the city in two. Over the next 28 years the wall was steadily expanded and refined, with all... [more]
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Fall 1961
Viet Cong Attacks South Vietnamese Troops
The conflict widens as 26,000 Viet Cong launch several successful attacks on South Vietnamese troops. Diem then requests more military aid from the Kennedy... [more]
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October 1961
Kennedy Refuses Deployment of Combat Troops to Vietnam
To get a first-hand look at the deteriorating military situation, top Kennedy aides, Maxwell Taylor and Walt Rostow, visit Vietnam. "If Vietnam goes, it will be exceedingly difficult to hold Southeast Asia," Taylor reports to the President and... [more]
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October 24, 1961
Kennedy Sends Additional Advisors to South Vietnam
On the sixth anniversary of the Republic of South Vietnam, President Kennedy sends a letter to President Diem and pledges "the United States is determined to help Vietnam preserve its independence..."
President Kennedy then sends additional... [more]
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December 11, 1961
U.S. Helicopters and Military Personnel Arrive in South Vietnam
American helicopters arrive at docks in South Vietnam along with 400 U.S. personnel, who will fly and maintain the... [more]
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1962
Number of U.S. Military Advisors in South Vietnam Rises to 12,000
Number of US military advisors in South Vietnam rises to... [more]
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Early 1962
Operation Ranchhand Begins
Operation Ranchhand begins. The goal of Ranchhand is to clear vegetation alongside highways, making it more difficult for the Vietcong to conceal themselves for ambushes. As the war continues, the scope of Ranchhand increases. Vast tracts of forest... [more]
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March 1962
Operation Sunrise and Strategic Hamlet Resettlement Program Begin
Operation Sunrise begins the Strategic Hamlet resettlement program in which scattered rural populations in South Vietnam are uprooted from their ancestral farmlands and resettled into fortified villages defended by local militias. However, over 50... [more]
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May 1962
Viet Cong Mobilizes in Central Vietnam
Viet Cong organize themselves into battalion-sized units operating in central... [more]
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July 23, 1962
Declaration on the Neutrality of Laos Signed in Geneva
The Declaration on the Neutrality of Laos signed in Geneva by the U.S. and 13 other nations, prohibits U.S. invasion of portions of the Ho Chi Minh trail inside eastern... [more]
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August 1, 1962
Foreign Assisstance Act of 1962
President Kennedy signs the Foreign Assistance Act of 1962 which provides "...military assistance to countries which are on the rim of the Communist world and under direct... [more]
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May 1963
Conflict Worsens Between South Vietnamese Police and Buddhists
Buddhists riot in South Vietnam after they are denied the right to display religious flags during their celebration of Buddha's birthday. In Hue, South Vietnamese police and army troops shoot at Buddhist demonstrators, resulting in the deaths of... [more]
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May 1963
Kennedy Urged to Dissassociate from Diem
Political pressure now mounts on the Kennedy administration to disassociate itself from Diem's repressive, family-run government. "You are responsible for the present trouble because you back Diem and his government of ignoramuses," a leading... [more]
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June-August 1963 three months
Diem Reacts to Buddhist Demonstrations
Buddhist demonstrations spread. Several Buddhist monks publicly burn themselves to death as an act of protest. The immolations are captured on film by news photographers and shock the American public as well as President Kennedy.
Diem responds... [more]
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June 26, 1963
Kennedy’s Berlin Speech
In a speech in West Berlin, President John F. Kennedy said, “All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin. And therefore, as a free man, I take pride in saying, ‘Ich bin ein Berliner [I am a... [more]
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July 4, 1963
Buddhist General Contacts CIA
South Vietnamese General Tran Van Don, a Buddhist, contacts the CIA in Saigon about the possibility of staging a coup against... [more]
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August 24, 1963
Lodge Receives Telegram Encouraging South Vietnam Coup
A U.S. State Department message sent to Ambassador Lodge is interpreted by Lodge to indicate he should encourage the military coup against President... [more]
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August 26, 1963
U.S. Executives Discuss Coup Against Diem
President Kennedy and top aides begin three days of heated discussions over whether the U.S. should in fact support the military coup against... [more]
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October 2, 1963
Kennedy Sends Lodge Mixed Messages About Coup
President Kennedy sends Ambassador Lodge a mixed messaged that "no initiative should now be taken to give any encouragement to a coup" but that Lodge should "identify and build contacts with possible leadership as and when it... [more]
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October 25, 1963
White House Seeks Reassurance Before Coup
Prompted by concerns over public relations fallout if the coup fails, a worried White House seeks reassurances from Ambassador Lodge that the coup will... [more]
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October 29, 1963
White House Attemtpts to Postpone Coup
An increasingly nervous White House now instructs Lodge to postpone the coup. Lodge responds it can only be stopped by betraying the conspirators to... [more]
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November 1, 1963
South Vietnamese Coup Begins
Lodge has a routine meeting with Diem from 10 a.m. until noon at the presidential palace, then departs. At 1:30 p.m., during the traditional siesta time, the coup begins as mutinous troops roar into Saigon, surround the presidential palace, and... [more]
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November 2, 1963
Downfall and Assassination of Diem and Nhu
At 3 a.m., one of Diem's aides betrays his location to the generals. The hunt for Diem and Nhu now begins. At 6 a.m., Diem telephones the generals. Realizing the situation is hopeless, Diem and Nhu offer to surrender from inside a Catholic church.... [more]
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November 22, 1963
Kennedy Assassinated as Involvement Escalates
President John F. Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas. Lyndon B. Johnson is sworn in as the 36th U.S. President. He is the fourth President coping with Vietnam and will oversee massive escalation of the war while utilizing many of the same policy... [more]
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January 30, 1964
General Nguyen Khanh Seizes Power in South Vietnam
General Minh is ousted from power in a bloodless coup led by General Nguyen Khanh who becomes the new leader of South... [more]
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March 1964
Bombing Raids in Laos
Secret U.S.-backed bombing raids begin against the Ho Chi Minh trail inside Laos, conducted by mercenaries flying old American fighter... [more]
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March 17, 1964
Johnson Approves Planning Phase of Bombing Operation
The U.S. National Security Council recommends the bombing of North Vietnam. President Johnson approves only the planning phase by the... [more]
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April - June 1964 three months
U.S. Air Power Reinforced
American air power in Southeast Asia is massively reinforced. Two aircraft carriers arrive off the Vietnamese coast prompted by a North Vietnamese offensive in... [more]
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May 1964
Congressional Resolution Supporting War Rejected by Senate
President Johnson's aides begin work on a Congressional resolution supporting the President's war policy in Vietnam. The resolution is shelved temporarily due to lack of support in the Senate, but will later be used as the basis of the Gulf of... [more]
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Summer 1964
War Escalates and Johnson Approves Operation Plan 34A
As 56,000 Viet Cong spread their successful guerrilla war throughout South Vietnam, they are reinforced by North Vietnamese Army (NVA) regulars pouring in via the Ho Chi Minh trail.
Responding to this escalation, President Johnson approves... [more]
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July 30, 1964
South Vietnamese Commandos Attack with Help of US. Maddox
On this night, South Vietnamese commandos attack two small North Vietnamese islands in the Gulf of Tonkin. The U.S. destroyer Maddox, an electronic spy ship, is 123 miles south with orders to electronically simulate an air attack to draw North... [more]
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August 2, 1964
U.S. Maddox Attacked
Three North Vietnamese patrol boats attack the American destroyer U.S.S. Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin ten miles off the coast of North Vietnam. They fire three torpedoes and machine-guns, but only a single machine-gun round actually strikes the... [more]
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August 3, 1964
U.S. Destroyers Open Fire in the Gulf of Tonkin
The Maddox, joined by a second destroyer U.S.S. C. Turner Joy begin a series of vigorous zigzags in the Gulf of Tonkin sailing to within eight miles of North Vietnam's coast, while at the same time, South Vietnamese commandos in speed boats harass... [more]
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August 4, 1964
Johnson Orders Attack on North Vietnamese Naval Bases
The captain of the U.S.S. Maddox reports that his vessel has been fired on and that an attack is imminent. Though he later says that no attack took place, six hours after the initial report, a retaliation against North Vietnam is ordered by... [more]
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August 4, 1964
First Bombing of North Vietnam Results in First American POW
Although immediate doubts arise concerning the validity of the second attack, the Joint Chiefs of Staff strongly recommend a retaliatory bombing raid against North Vietnam.
Press reports in America greatly embellish the second attack with... [more]
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August 5, 1964
Johnson's Approval Rate Rises
Opinion polls indicate 85 percent of Americans support President Johnson's bombing decision. Numerous newspaper editorials also come out in support of the President.
Johnson's aides, including Defense Secretary McNamara, now lobby Congress to... [more]
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August 7, 1964
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Gives Johnson Free Reign
In response to the two incidents involving the Maddox and Turner Joy, the U.S. Congress, at the behest of President Johnson, overwhelmingly passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution put forward by the White House allowing the President "to take all... [more]
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August 21, 1964
Khanh Resigns and Leaves Saigon in Chaos
In Saigon, students and Buddhist militants begin a series of escalating protests against General Khanh's military regime. As a result, Khanh resigns as sole leader in favor of a triumvirate that includes himself, Gen. Minh and Gen. Khiem. The... [more]
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October 16, 1964
Chinese Troops Massed Along Vietnam Border
China, by this time, has also massed troops along its border with Vietnam, responding to U.S.... [more]
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November 3, 1964
Johnson Re-Elected
With 61 percent of the popular vote, Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson is re-elected as President of the United States in a land-slide victory, the biggest to date in U.S. history, defeating Republican Barry Goldwater by 16 million votes. The Democrats... [more]
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December 1964
China and USSR Bolster NVA
10,000 NVA soldiers arrive in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam via the Ho Chi Minh trail, carrying sophisticated weapons provided by China and the Soviet Union. They shore up Viet Cong battalions with the weapons and also provide experienced... [more]
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December 1, 1964
White House Aides Recommend War Escalation
At the White House, President Johnson's top aides, including Secretary of State Dean Rusk, National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy, and Defense Secretary McNamara, recommend a policy of gradual escalation of U.S. military involvement in... [more]
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December 20, 1964
South Vietnamese Army Seizes Power from Minh
Another military coup occurs in Saigon by the South Vietnamese army. This time Gen. Khanh and young officers, led by Nguyen Cao Ky and Nguyen Van Thieu, oust older generals including Gen. Minh from the government and seize... [more]
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January 27, 1965
Khanh Gains Full Control of South Vietnamese Government
General Khanh seizes full control of South Vietnam's government. Johnson aides, National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy and Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, send a memo to the President stating that America's limited military involvement in... [more]
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February 4, 1965
Bundy and Kosygin Visit Vietnam
National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy visits South Vietnam for the first time. In North Vietnam, Soviet Prime Minister Aleksei Kosygin coincidentally arrives in... [more]
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February 7, 1965
Johnson Orders Retaliation for NLF Attacks
A U.S. helicopter base and advisory compound in the central highlands of South Vietnam is attacked by NLF commandos. Nine Americans are killed and more than 70 are wounded. President Johnson immediately orders U.S. Navy fighter-bombers to attack... [more]
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February 7-8, 1965
Johnson Commits to Operation Flaming Dart
"I've had enough of this," President Johnson tells his National Security advisors. He then approves Operation Flaming Dart, the bombing of a North Vietnamese army camp near Dong Hoi by U.S. Navy jets from the carrier Ranger.
Johnson makes no... [more]
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February 13, 1965
Johnson Authorizes Operation Rolling Thunder
President Johnson authorizes Operation Rolling Thunder, a limited but long lasting bombing offensive. Its aim is to force North Vietnam to stop supporting Vietcong guerrillas in the... [more]
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February 18, 1965
Khanh Replaced in Military Coup
Another military coup in Saigon results in General Khanh finally being ousted from power and a new military/civilian government installed, led by Dr. Phan Huy... [more]
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February 22, 1965
U.S. Marines Prepare to Arrive in Da Nang
General Westmoreland requests two battalions of U.S. Marines to protect the American air base at Da Nang from 6000 Viet Cong massed in the vicinity. The President approves his request, despite the "grave reservations" of Ambassador Taylor in... [more]
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March 2, 1965
Rolling Thunder Bombing Raids Begin
After a series of delays, the first bombing raids of Rolling Thunder are flown.
Operation Rolling Thunder begins as over 100 American fighter-bombers attack targets in North Vietnam. Scheduled to last eight weeks, Rolling Thunder will instead go... [more]
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March 8, 1965
First American Combat Troops Arrive in Vietnam
The first U.S. combat troops arrive in Vietnam as 3500 Marines land at China Beach to defend the American air base at Da Nang. They join 23,000 American military advisors already in... [more]
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March 9, 1965
Johnson Approves Use of Napalm
President Johnson authorizes the use of Napalm, a petroleum based anti-personnel bomb that showers hundreds of explosive pellets upon... [more]
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April 1, 1965
Johnson Authorizes Offensive Operations of U.S. Marines
At the White House, President Johnson authorizes sending two more Marine battalions and up to 20,000 logistical personnel to Vietnam. The President also authorizes American combat troops to conduct patrols to root out Viet Cong in the countryside.... [more]
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April 7, 1965
Ho Chi Minh Refuses American Peace Offering
The U.S. offers North Vietnam economic aid in exchange for peace, but the offer is summarily rejected.
President Johnson delivers his "Peace Without Conquest" speech at Johns Hopkins University offering Hanoi "unconditional discussions" to stop... [more]
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May 3, 1965
U.S. Army Combat Troops Arrive in Vietnam
The first U.S. Army combat troops, 3500 men of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, arrive in... [more]
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May 13-19, 1965 6 days
Bombing Pause Announced by U.S.
The first bombing pause is announced by the U.S. in the hope that Hanoi will now negotiate. There will be six more pauses during the Rolling Thunder bombing campaign, all with the same intention. However, each time, the North Vietnamese ignore the... [more]
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June 18, 1965
Nguyen Cao Ky Takes Power in South Vietnam
Nguyen Cao Ky takes power in South Vietnam as the new prime minister with Nguyen Van Thieu functioning as official chief of state. They lead the 10th government in 20... [more]
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June 27, 1965
Westmoreland Leads Attack Northwest of Saigon
General William Westmoreland launches the first purely offensive operation by American ground forces in Vietnam, sweeping into NLF territory just northwest of... [more]
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July 28, 1965
U.S. Draft Calls Double
During a noontime press conference, President Johnson announces he will send 44 combat battalions to Vietnam increasing the U.S. military presence to 125,000 men. Monthly draft calls are doubled to 35,000. "I have asked the commanding general,... [more]
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August 17-24, 1965 one week
Operation Starlite, U.S. Victory at Chu Lai
After a deserter from the 1st Viet Cong regiment reveals that an attack is imminent against the U.S. Marine base at Chu Lai, the American army launches Operation Starlite. In this, the first major battle of the Vietnam War, the United States scores... [more]
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August 31, 1965
Draft Card Burning Outlawed
President Johnson signs a law criminalizing draft card burning. Although it may result in a five year prison sentence and $1000 fine, the burnings become common during anti-war rallies and often attract the attention of news... [more]
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September - October 1965 two months
U.S. 1st Air Cavalry Deployed, NVA Attack at Plei Me
After the North Vietnamese Army attacks a Special Forces camp at Plei Mei, the U.S. 1st Air Cavalry is deployed against enemy regiments that identified in the vicinity of the camp. The result is the battle of the Ia Drang. For 35 days, the division... [more]
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October 30, 1965
March on Washington in Support of War
25,000 march in Washington in support of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. The marchers are led by five Medal of Honor... [more]
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December 25, 1965
Second Bombing Pause Announced
The second pause in the bombing of North Vietnam occurs. This will last for 37 days while the U.S. attempts to pressure North Vietnam into a negotiated peace. However, the North Vietnamese denounce the bombing halt as a "trick" and continue Viet... [more]
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January 8, 1966
Operation Crimp Begins
U.S. forces launch Operation Crimp. Deploying nearly 8,000 troops, it is the largest American operation of the war. The goal of the campaign is to capture the Viet Cong's headquarters for the Saigon area, which is believed to be located in the... [more]
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January 12, 1966
Johnson's State of the Union Address
During his State of the Union address before Congress, President Johnson comments that the war in Vietnam is unlike America's previous wars, "Yet, finally, war is always the same. It is young men dying in the fullness of their promise. It is trying... [more]
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January 31, 1966
Second Bombing Pause Ends
Citing Hanoi's failure to respond to his peace overtures during the 37 day bombing pause, President Johnson announces bombing of North Vietnam will... [more]
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March 9, 1966
U.S. Reveals Destruction of Crops in Vietnam
The U.S. reveals that 20,000 acres of food crops have been destroyed in suspected Viet Cong villages. The admission generates harsh criticism from the American academic... [more]
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March 10, 1966
Buddhists' Campaign to Oust Ky Begins
South Vietnamese Buddhists begin a violent campaign to oust Prime Minister Ky following his dismissal of a top Buddhist general. This marks the beginning of a period of extreme unrest in several cities in South Vietnam including Saigon, Da Nang and... [more]
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April - May 1966 two months
Operation Birmingham Begins
In Operation Birmingham, more than 5,000 U.S. troops, backed by huge numbers of helicopters and armored vehicles, sweep the area around north of Saigon. There are small-scale actions between both armies, but over a three-week period, only 100 Viet... [more]
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April 12, 1966
B-52 Bombers First Used in Vietnam
B-52 bombers are used for the first time against North Vietnam. Each B-52 carries up to 100 bombs, dropped from an altitude of about six miles. Target selections are closely supervised by the White House. There are six main target categories; power... [more]
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Late May - June 1966
Battle at Dong Ha Drives NVA Back Over DMZ
In late May 1966, the North Vietnamese 324B Division crosses the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and encounters a Marine battalion. The NVA holds their ground and the largest battle of the war to date breaks out near Dong Ha. Most of the 3rd Marine... [more]
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June 25, 1966
Ky Cracks Down on Buddhist Rebels
Political unrest in South Vietnam abates following the crackdown on Buddhist rebels by Prime Minister Ky, including the arrest of Buddhist leader Tri Quang. Ky now appeals for... [more]
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June 29, 1966
Bombings Near Hanoi and Haiphong
Citing increased infiltration of Communist guerrillas from North Vietnam into the South, the U.S. bombs oil depots around Hanoi and Haiphong, ending a self-imposed moratorium.
The U.S. is very cautious about targeting the city of Hanoi itself... [more]
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July 6, 1966
American POWs Put On Parade in Hanoi
Hanoi Radio reports that captured American pilots have been paraded though the streets of Hanoi through jeering... [more]
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July 15, 1966
Operation Hastings Launched
Operation Hastings is launched by U.S. Marines and South Vietnamese troops against 10,000 NVA in Quang Tri Province. This is the largest combined military operation to date in the... [more]
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July 30, 1966
U.S. Bombs NVA Troops in the DMZ
For the first time, the U.S. bombs NVA troops in the Demilitarized Zone, the buffer area separating North and South... [more]
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August 9, 1966
Accidental American Attack in South Vietnam
U.S. jets attack two South Vietnamese villages by mistake, killing 63 civilians and wounding over... [more]
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August 30, 1966
Hanoi Announces Chinese Support
Hanoi announces China will provide economic and technical... [more]
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September 1, 1966
De Gaulle Solicits Withdrawal of U.S. Troops
During a visit to neighboring Cambodia, French President Charles de Gaulle calls for U.S. withdrawal from... [more]
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September 12, 1966
Air Raid on NVA Supply Lines
The heaviest air raid of the war to date occurs as 500 U.S. jets attack NVA supply lines and coastal... [more]
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September 14-November 24, 1966 five weeks
Operation Attleboro
Operation Attleboro occurs involving 20,000 U.S. and South Vietnamese soldiers in a successful search-and-destroy mission 50 miles north of Saigon near the Cambodian border. During the fighting, an enormous weapons cache is uncovered in a hidden... [more]
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September 23, 1966
Chemicals Defoliate Jungles Near DMZ
The U.S. reveals jungles near the Demilitarized Zone are being defoliated by sprayed... [more]
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October 1966
Viet Cong's 9th Division Mobilizes
The Viet Cong's 9th Division, having recovered from battles from the previous July, prepares for a new offensive. Losses in men and equipment have been replaced by supplies and reinforcements sent down the Ho Chi Minh trail from North... [more]
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October 3, 1966
Soviet Union Pledges Support for North Vietnam
The Soviet Union announces it will provide military and economic assistance to North... [more]
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October 25, 1966
Manila Conference with American Allies
President Johnson conducts a conference in Manila with America's Vietnam Allies; Australia, Philippines, Thailand, New Zealand, South Korea and South Vietnam. The Allies pledge to withdraw from Vietnam within six months if North Vietnam will... [more]
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October 26, 1966
Johnson Visits Cam Ranh Bay
President Johnson visits U.S. troops at Cam Ranh Bay. This is the first of two visits to Vietnam made during his... [more]
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November 12, 1966
New York Times Reports Misuse of U.S. Funds
The New York Times reports that 40 percent of U.S. economic aid sent to Saigon is stolen or winds up on the black... [more]
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December 13-14, 1966 two days
U.S. Bombers Level Caudat
The village of Caudat near Hanoi is leveled by U.S. bombers resulting in harsh criticism from the international... [more]
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December 26, 1966
Defense Department Admits to Accidental Bombings
Facing increased scrutiny from journalists over mounting civilian casualties in North Vietnam, the U.S. Defense Department now admits civilians may have been bombed... [more]
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December 1966
Troop Levels Reach 389,000
By year's end, U.S. troop levels reach 389,000 with 5008 combat deaths and 30,093 wounded. Over half of the American causalities are caused by snipers and small-arms fire during Viet Cong ambushes, along with handmade booby traps and mines planted... [more]
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January - May 1967 five months
Heavy Bombardments of American Bases South of the DMZ
Two North Vietnamese divisions, operating out of the DMZ that separates North and South Vietnam, launch heavy bombardments of American bases south of the DMZ. These bases include Khe Sanh, the Rockpile, Cam Lo, Dong Ha, Con Thien and Gio... [more]
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January 2, 1967
Operation Bolo Devastates North Vietnamese MiG-21 Supply
Operation Bolo occurs as 28 U.S. Air Force F-4 Phantom jets lure North Vietnamese MiG-21 interceptors into a dogfight over Hanoi and shoot down seven of them. This leaves only nine MiG-21s operational for the North Vietnamese. American pilots,... [more]
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January 8-26, 1967 18 days
Operation Cedar Falls Uncovers Tunnel Network
America forces begin Operation Cedar Falls, which is intended to drive Vietcong forces from the Iron Triangle, a 60 square mile area lying between the Saigon River and Route 13. Nearly 16,000 American troops and 14,000 soldiers of the South... [more]
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January 10, 1967
Johnson Defies Disapproval of U.N.
U.N. Secretary-General U Thant expresses doubts that Vietnam is essential to the security of the West. On this same day, during his State of the Union address before Congress, President Johnson once again declares "We will stand firm in... [more]
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February 8-12, 1967 5 days
Truce During Tet Holiday
A truce occurs during Tet, the lunar New Year, a traditional Vietnamese... [more]
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February 13, 1967
Johnson Resumes Full-Scale Bombing After Diplomatic Efforts Fail
Following the failure of diplomatic peace efforts, President Johnson announces the U.S. will resume full-scale bombing of North... [more]
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February 22-May 14, 1967 three weeks
Operation Junction City Begins
The largest U.S. military offensive of the war occurs. Operation Junction City involves 22 U.S. and four South Vietnamese battalions attempting to destroy the NVA's Central Office headquarters in South Vietnam. The offensive includes the only... [more]
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March 19-21, 1967 three days
Ky Pressured to Hold National Elections
President Johnson meets in Guam with South Vietnam's Prime Minister Ky and pressures Ky to hold national... [more]
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April 24, 1967
North Vietnam Airfields Under Attack
American attacks on North Vietnam's airfields begin. The attacks inflict heavy damage on runways and installations. By the end of the year, all but one of the North's MiG bases has been... [more]
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May 9, 1967
Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support (CORDS) Agency Established
Robert W. Komer, a former CIA analyst, is appointed by President Johnson as deputy commander of MACV to form a new agency called Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support (CORDS) to pacify the population of South Vietnam. Nearly 60... [more]
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May 22, 1967
Johnson Pleads for Compromise
President Johnson publicly urges North Vietnam to accept a peace... [more]
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Late May 1967
Battles in Central Highlands of South Vietnam
In the Central Highlands of South Vietnam, Americans intercept North Vietnamese Army units moving in from Cambodia. Nine days of continuous battles leave hundreds of North Vietnamese soldiers... [more]
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June 1967
Mobile Riverine Force Mobilizes
The Mobile Riverine Force becomes operational utilizing U.S. Navy 'Swift' boats combined with Army troop support to halt Viet Cong usage of inland waterways in the Mekong... [more]
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July 1967
Westmoreland Requests Reinforcements
General Westmoreland requests an additional 200,000 reinforcements on top of the 475,000 soldiers already scheduled to be sent to Vietnam, which would bring the U.S. total in Vietnam to 675,000. President Johnson agrees only to an extra... [more]
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July 7, 1967
North Vietnamese Leaders Plan Major Offensive
North Vietnam's Politburo makes the decision to launch a widespread offensive against South Vietnam. Conceived in three phases, the first phase involves attacks against remote border areas in an effort to lure American troops away from South... [more]
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September 1, 1967
North Vietnam Declares Commitment to Fighting
North Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Van Dong publicly states Hanoi will "continue to... [more]
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September 3, 1967
Nguyen Van Thieu Wins South Vietnamese Election with 35 Percent of the Vote
National elections are held in South Vietnam. With 80 percent of eligible voters participating, Nguyen Van Thieu is elected president with Nguyen Cao Ky as his vice-president, the pair winning just 35 percent of the... [more]
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Autumn 1967
Official North Vietnamese Opponents of Tet Offensive Arrested
In Hanoi, as Communist forces are building up for the Tet Offensive, 200 senior officials are arrested in a crackdown on opponents of the Tet... [more]
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October 31, 1967
Johnson Reaffirms Commitment in Vietnam
President Johnson reaffirms his commitment to maintain U.S. involvement in South... [more]
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November 3-December 1, 1967 one month
Battle of Dak To Pushes NVA into Laos and Cambodia
The Battle of Dak To occurs in the mountainous terrain along the border of Cambodia and Laos as the U.S. 4th Infantry Division heads off a planned NVA attack against the Special Forces camp located there. During the fighting, the 4th Battalion,... [more]
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November 11, 1967
Hanoi Rejects Peace Offering
President Johnson makes another peace overture, but it is soon rejected by... [more]
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December 6, 1967
U.S. Reports Murder in Dak Son
The U.S. reports Viet Cong murdered 252 civilians in the hamlet of Dak... [more]
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Mid-January 1968
NVA Prepares for a Major Offensive in Northwest South Vietnam
In mid-January 1968 in the remote northwest corner of South Vietnam, elements of three NVA divisions begin to mass near the Marine base at Khe Sanh. The ominous proportions of the build-up lead the U.S. commanders to expect a major offensive in the... [more]
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January 21, 1968
Fighting at Khe Sanh Prompts Start of Operation Niagara II
At 5:30 a.m., a shattering barrage of shells, mortars and rockets slam into the Marine base at Khe Sanh. Eighteen Marines are killed instantly, 40 are wounded. The initial attack continues for two days.
20,000 NVA troops under the command of... [more]
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January 30 - 31, 1968 two days
Viet Cong Troops and American Public Devastated by Tet Offensive
On the Tet holiday, Viet Cong units surge into action over the length and breadth of South Vietnam. In more than 100 cities and towns, shock attacks by Viet Cong sapper-commandos are followed by wave after wave of supporting troops. By the end of... [more]
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January 31-March 7, 1968 five weeks
Weyand Leads Troops Defending Saigon
In the Battle for Saigon during Tet, 35 NVA and Viet Cong battalions are defeated by 50 battalions of American and Allied troops that had been positioned to protect the city on a hunch by Lt. Gen. Fred C. Weyand, a veteran of World War II in the... [more]
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January 31-March 2, 1968 five weeks
Battle for Hue
In the Battle for Hue during Tet, 12,000 NVA and Viet Cong troops storm the lightly defended historical city, then begin systematic executions of over 3000 "enemies of the people" including South Vietnamese government officials, captured South... [more]
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February 1, 1968
Televised Execution of Viet Cong Guerrila
In Saigon during Tet, a suspected Viet Cong guerrilla is shot in the head by South Vietnam's police chief Gen. Nguyen Ngoc Loan, in full view of an NBC news cameraman and an Associated Press still photographer. The haunting AP photo taken by Eddie... [more]
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February 2, 1968
Tet Offensive Considered a Failure on Both Sides
President Johnson labels the Tet Offensive "a complete failure."
For the North Vietnamese, the Tet Offensive is both a military and political failure in Vietnam. The "general uprising" they had hoped to ignite among South Vietnamese peasants... [more]
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February 28, 1968
Wheeler and Westmoreland Request More Troops
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Wheeler, at the behest of Gen. Westmoreland, asks President Johnson for an additional 206,000 soldiers and mobilization of reserve units in the... [more]
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March 10, 1968
Johnson's War Strategy Questioned by American Press
The New York Times breaks the news of Westmoreland's 206,000 troop request. The Times story is denied by the White House. Secretary of State Dean Rusk is then called before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and grilled for two days on live TV... [more]
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March 16, 1968
U.S. Soldiers Involved in Civilian Massacre at My Lai
Over 300 Vietnamese civilians are slaughtered in My Lai hamlet by members of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry U.S. Army, while participating in an airborne assault against suspected Viet Cong encampments in Quang Ngai Province. Upon... [more]
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March 22-23, 1968 two days
Massive NVA Attack on Khe Sanh Military Base
Without warning, a massive North Vietnamese barrage slams into Khe Sanh. More than 1,000 rounds hit the base, at a rate of a hundred every hour. At the same time, electronic sensors around Khe Sanh indicate NVA troop movements. American forces... [more]
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March 23, 1968
Wheeler Urges Expansion of Troops
During a secret meeting in the Philippines, Gen Wheeler informs Gen. Westmoreland that President Johnson will approve only 13,500 additional soldiers out of the original 206,000 requested. Gen. Wheeler also instructs Westmoreland to urge the South... [more]
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March 28, 1968
Official Report on My Lai Conceals Truth
The initial report by participants at My Lai states that 69 Viet Cong soldiers were killed and makes no mention of civilian causalities.
The My Lai massacre is successfully concealed for a year, until a series of letters from Vietnam veteran... [more]
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March 31, 1968
Johnson Announces Decision Not To Run for Re-election
President Johnson stuns the world by announcing his surprise decision not to seek re-election. He also announces a partial bombing halt and urges Hanoi to begin peace talks. "We are prepared to move immediately toward peace through negotiations."... [more]
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April 8, 1968
Siege of Khe Sanh Ends
U.S. forces in Operation Pegasus finally retake Route 9, ending the siege of Khe Sanh. A 77 day battle, Khe Sanh had been the biggest single battle of the Vietnam War to that point. The official assessment of the North Vietnamese Army dead is just... [more]
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May 5, 1968
Viet Cong Launch
Viet Cong launch "Mini Tet," a series of rocket and mortar attacks against Saigon and 119 cities and military installations throughout South Vietnam. The U.S. responds with air strikes using Napalm and high... [more]
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May 10, 1968
Peace Talks in Paris Stalled
Peace talks begin in Paris but soon stall as the U.S. insists that North Vietnamese troops withdraw from the South, while the North Vietnamese insist on Viet Cong participation in a coalition government in South Vietnam. This marks the beginning of... [more]
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June 1968
Westmoreland Approves Demolition of Khe Sanh
With strong, highly mobile American forces now in the area, and the base no longer needed for defense, General Westmoreland approves the abandonment and demolition of Khe... [more]
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July 1, 1968
Phoenix Program Established Despite Controversy
The Phoenix program is established to crush the secret Viet Cong infrastructure (VCI) in South Vietnam. The VCI, estimated at up to 70,000 Communist guerrillas, has been responsible for a long-standing campaign of terror against Americans, South... [more]
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August 8, 1968
Nixon Runs on Platform of Ending War
Richard M. Nixon is chosen as the Republican presidential candidate and promises "an honorable end to the war in... [more]
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October 31, 1968
Operation Rolling Thunder Comes to an End
Operation Rolling Thunder ends as President Johnson announces a complete halt of U.S. bombing of North Vietnam in the hope of restarting the peace talks.
Throughout the three and a half year bombing campaign, the U.S. dropped a million tons of... [more]
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November 5, 1968
Nixon Wins Presidency
Richard M. Nixon defeated democratic contender Hubert Humphrey in a close presidential election. Previous incumbant Lyndon B. Johnson had chosen not to run for re-election. Nixon came into office with a pledge to obtain "Peace with honor" in... [more]
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January 1969
Nixon Takes Office with Aims of Negotiating a Settlement with North Vietnam
President Richard M. Nixon takes office as the new President of the United States. With regard to Vietnam, he promises to achieve "Peace With Honor." His aim is to negotiate a settlement that will allow the half million U.S. troops in Vietnam to be... [more]
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January 25, 1969
Paris Peace Talks Commence with Delegates from North Vietnam, Viet Cong and U.S. in Attendence
Paris peace talks open with the U.S., South Vietnam, North Vietnam and the Viet Cong all in... [more]
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February 1969
Nixon Approves Operation Menu
In spite of government restrictions, President Nixon authorizes Operation Menu, the bombing of North Vietnamese and Vietcong bases within Cambodia. Over the following four years, U.S. forces will drop more than a half million tons of bombs on... [more]
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February 22, 1969
Viet Cong Offensive Inflicts Damage on South Vietnam and American Troops
In a major offensive, assault teams and artillery attack American bases all over South Vietnam, killing 1,140 Americans. At the same time, South Vietnamese towns and cities are also hit. The heaviest fighting is around Saigon, but fights rage all... [more]
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February 23, 1969
Viet Cong Begins Series of New Attacks on South Vietnam
Viet Cong attack 110 targets throughout South Vietnam including... [more]
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March 1969
Ridenhour Letters Lead to My Lai Investigation
Letters from Vietnam veteran Ronald Ridenhour result in a U.S. Army investigation into the My Lai... [more]
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March 4, 1969
Nixon Threatens to Resume Bombing
President Nixon threatens to resume bombing North Vietnam in retaliation for Viet Cong offenses in the... [more]
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March 15, 1969
U.S. Troops go on the Offensive in DMZ
U.S. troops go on the offensive inside the Demilitarized Zone for the first time since... [more]
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April 30, 1969
American Troop Levels Reach Their Peak
U.S. troop levels peak at 543,400. U.S. combat deaths in Vietnam exceed the 33,629 men killed in the Korean... [more]
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May 1969
Nixon Seeks News Leak After Reports of Cambodian Bombings Surface
The New York Times breaks the news of the secret bombing of Cambodia. As a result, Nixon orders FBI wiretaps on the telephones of four journalists, along with 13 government officials to determine the source of news... [more]
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May 10- May 20 , 1969 ten days
Battle at Hamburger Hill Marks Decline of War Involvement for U.S.
Forty-six men of the 101st Airborne die during a fierce ten-day battle at 'Hamburger Hill' in the A Shau Valley near Hue. 400 others are wounded. After the hill is taken, the troops are then ordered to abandon it by their commander. NVA then move... [more]
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May 14, 1969
Hanoi Rejects Nixon's Peace Plan
During his first TV speech on Vietnam, President Nixon presents a peace plan in which America and North Vietnam would simultaneously pull out of South Vietnam over the next year. The offer is rejected by... [more]
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June 8, 1969
"Vietnamization" of War is Dicussed at Meeting Between Nixon and Thieu
President Nixon meets South Vietnam's President Nguyen Van Thieu at Midway Island and informs him U.S. troop levels are going to be sharply reduced. During a press briefing with Thieu, Nixon announces "Vietnamization" of the war and a U.S. troop... [more]
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July 1969
Nixon Sends Letter to Ho Chi Minh
President Nixon, through a French emissary, sends a secret letter to Ho Chi Minh urging him to settle the war, while at the same time threatening to resume bombing if peace talks remain stalled as of November 1. In August, Hanoi responds by... [more]
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July 8, 1969
First Withdrawal of U.S. Troops
The very first U.S. troop withdrawal occurs as 800 men from the 9th Infantry Division are sent home. The phased troop withdrawal will occur in 14 stages from July 1969 through November... [more]
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July 25, 1969
The "Nixon Doctrine is made public
The "Nixon Doctrine" is made public. It advocates U.S. military and economic assistance to nations around the world struggling against Communism, but no more Vietnam-style ground wars involving American troops. The emphasis is thus placed on local... [more]
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July 30, 1969
Nixon Visits Vietnam
President Nixon visits U.S. troops and President Thieu in Vietnam. This is Nixon's only trip to Vietnam during his... [more]
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August 4, 1969
Kissinger Meets with Representatives from Hanoi
Henry Kissinger conducts his first secret meeting in Paris with representatives from... [more]
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August 12, 1969
Viet Cong Begins New Offensive
Viet Cong begin a new offensive attacking 150 targets throughout South... [more]
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September 2, 1969
Ho Chi Minh Dies at Age 79
Ho Chi Minh dies of a heart attack at age 79. He is succeeded by Le Duan, who publicly reads the last will of Ho Chi Minh urging the North Vietnamese to fight on "until the last Yankee has... [more]
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September 16, 1969
Nixon Calls for More Troop Reductions
President Nixon orders the withdrawal of 35,000 soldiers from Vietnam and a reduction in draft... [more]
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October 1969
American Approve of Nixon's War Policy
An opinion poll indicates 71 percent of Americans approve of President Nixon's Vietnam... [more]
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November 16, 1969
U.S. Army Publicly Addresses My Lai Events
For the first time, the U.S. Army publicly discusses events surrounding the My Lai... [more]
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December 15, 1969
More Reductions of U.S. Troop Numbers
President Nixon orders an additional 50,000 soldiers out of... [more]
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February 21, 1970
Kissinger Begins Secret talks with Le Duc Tho
Although the official peace talks remain deadlocked in Paris, behind the scenes, Henry Kissinger begins a series of secret talks with North Vietnam's Le Duc Tho, which will go on for two... [more]
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March 18, 1970
Khmer Rouge Deposes Prince Sihanouk of Cambodia
Prince Sihanouk of Cambodia is deposed by General Lon Nol.
Sihanouk, who had been out of the country at the time of the coup, then aligns with Cambodian Communists, known as the Khmer Rouge, in an effort to oust Lon Nol's regime.
The Khmer... [more]
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March 20, 1970
Lon Nol Attacks Khmer Rouge and North Vietnamese Forces
Cambodian troops under Gen. Lon Nol attack Khmer Rouge and North Vietnamese forces inside Cambodia. At the White House, Nixon and top aides discuss plans to assist Lon Nol's pro-American... [more]
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April 20, 1970
Nixon Sets Out Troop Withdrawal Plan
President Nixon announces the withdrawal of another 150,000 Americans from Vietnam within a... [more]
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April 29, 1970
South Vietnamese Troops Push Toward Viet Cong Bases in Cambodia
South Vietnamese troops attack into Cambodia, pushing toward Viet Cong bases. Two days later, a U.S. force of 30,000 -- including three U.S. divisions -- mount a second attack. Operations in Cambodia last for 60 days, and uncover vast North... [more]
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April 30, 1970
Nixon Announces Campaign in Cambodia
President Nixon stuns Americans by announcing U.S. and South Vietnamese incursion into Cambodia "...not for the purpose of expanding the war into Cambodia but for the purpose of ending the war in Vietnam and winning the just peace we desire." The... [more]
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June 22, 1970
Halt of Defoliant Usage
American usage of jungle defoliants in Vietnam is... [more]
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June 24, 1970
Repeal of Gulf of tonkin Resolution
The U.S. Senate repeals the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin... [more]
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June 30, 1970
U.S. Troops Withdraw from Cambodia
U.S. troops withdraw from Cambodia. Over 350 Americans died during the... [more]
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August 11, 1970
South Vietnamese Troops Take Control of Border Defense
South Vietnamese troops take over the defense of border positions from U.S.... [more]
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October 7, 1970
Nixon Proposes
During a TV speech, President Nixon proposes a "standstill" cease-fire in which all troops would stop shooting and remain in place pending a formal peace agreement. Hanoi does not... [more]
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October 24, 1970
South Vietnamese Troops Begin New Offensive into Cambodia.
South Vietnamese troops begin a new offensive into... [more]
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November 12, 1970
Calley Trial Begins in Georgia
The U.S. Army brings murder charges against Lt. William Calley concerning the massacre of Vietnamese civilians at My Lai in March of 1968, and the military trial begins at Fort Benning, Georgia on November 12,... [more]
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November 20, 1970
American Troop Levels Drop to 334,600
American troop levels drop to... [more]
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December 10, 1970
Nixon Threatens More Bombing Raids
President Nixon warns Hanoi that more bombing raids may occur if North Vietnamese attacks continue against the... [more]
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December 22, 1970
Cooper-Church Amendment Forbids Involvement in Laos and Cambodia
The Cooper-Church amendment to the U.S. defense appropriations bill forbids the use of any U.S. ground forces in Laos or... [more]
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January 4, 1971
End Is in Sight for Nixon
President Nixon announces "the end is in... [more]
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January 30-April 6, 1971 nine weeks
Operation Lam Son 719
Operation Lam Son 719, an all-South Vietnamese ground offensive, occurs as 17,000 South Vietnamese soldiers attack 22,000 NVA inside Laos in an attempt to sever the Ho Chi Minh trail. Aided by heavy U.S. artillery and air strikes, along with... [more]
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March 1971
Half of Americans Disapprove of Nixon
Opinion polls indicate Nixon's approval rating among Americans has dropped to 50 percent, while approval of his Vietnam strategy has slipped to just 34 percent. Half of all Americans polled believe the war in Vietnam to be "morally... [more]
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March 10, 1971
China Pledges Support for North Vietnam
China pledges complete support for North Vietnam's struggle against the... [more]
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March 29, 1971
Calley Found Guilty of 22 Murders
Lt. William Calley is found guilty of the murder of 22 My Lai civilians. He is sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor, however, the sentence is later reduced to 20 years, then 10 years. Out of 16 military personnel charged with offenses... [more]
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April 29, 1971
Total American Deaths in Vietnam Surpass 45,000
Total American deaths in Vietnam surpass... [more]
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June 22, 1971
Senate Resolves to Remove All American Troops
A non-binding resolution passed in the U.S. Senate urges the removal of all American troops from Vietnam by year's... [more]
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July 17, 1971
"Plumbers" Unit Established with compliation of "Enemies' List"
The 'Plumbers' unit is established in the White House by Nixon aides John Ehrlichman and Charles Colson to investigate Daniel Ellsberg and to 'plug' various news leaks. Colson also compiles an 'enemies list' featuring the names of 200 prominent... [more]
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Summer 1971
Agent Orange Continues to be Spread
While herbicides containing Dioxin were banned for use by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1968, spraying of Agent Orange continues in Vietnam until 1971. Operation Ranchhand has sprayed 11 million gallons of Agent Orange -- containing 240... [more]
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September 3, 1971
Quadrapartite Agreement on Berlin Signed
An agreement was signed by Britain, France, the United States, and the Soviet Union that codified West Berlin’s ties with West Germany. This agreement helped to significantly reduce tensions between the East and West over the issue of... [more]
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October 3, 1971
Thieu Re-elected
Running un-opposed, President Thieu of South Vietnam is... [more]
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October 9, 1971
"Combat Refusal" from 1st Air Cavalry
Members of the U.S. 1st Air Cavalry Division refuse an assignment to go out on patrol by expressing "a desire not to go." This is one in a series of American ground troops engaging in "combat... [more]
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October 31, 1971
3000 Viet Cong POWs Released
The first Viet Cong POWs are released by Saigon. There are nearly 3000 Viet Cong... [more]
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December 17, 1971
U.S. Troop Levels Drop to 156,800
U.S. troop levels drop to... [more]
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January 1, 1972
Dropping Levels of American Servicemen in South Vietnam
Only 133,000 U.S. servicemen remain in South Vietnam. Two thirds of America's troops have gone in two years. The ground war is now almost exclusively the responsibility of South Vietnam, which has over 1,000,000 men enlisted in its armed... [more]
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February 21-28, 1972 one week
Nixon Meets with Mao and Zhou Enlai
President Nixon visits China and meets with Mao Zedong and Prime Minister Zhou Enlai to forge new diplomatic relations with the Communist nation. Nixon's visit causes great concern in Hanoi that their wartime ally China might be inclined to agree... [more]
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March-September 1972
Eastertide Offensive
The Eastertide Offensive occurs as 200,000 North Vietnamese soldiers under the command of General Vo Nguyen Giap wage an all-out attempt to conquer South Vietnam. The offensive is a tremendous gamble by Giap and is undertaken as a result of U.S.... [more]
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March 23, 1972
U.S. Boycotts Paris Peace Talks
The U.S. stages a boycott of the Paris peace talks as President Nixon accuses Hanoi of refusing to "negotiate... [more]
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March 30, 1972
Eastertide Attack on Quang Tri Throws Southern Troops into Chaos
NVA Eastertide attack on Quang Tri begins. Massed North Vietnamese Army artillery open a shattering barrage, targeting South Vietnamese positions across the DMZ. Upwards of 20,000 NVA troops cross the DMZ, forcing the South Vietnamese units into a... [more]
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April 1, 1972
NVA Gradually Pushes Towards Hue
North Vietnamese soldiers push toward the city of Hue, which is defended by a South Vietnamese division and a division of U.S. Marines. But by April 9, the NVA are forced to halt attacks and... [more]
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April 2, 1972
Nixon Reacts to Eastertide
In response to the Eastertide Offensive, President Nixon authorizes the U.S. 7th Fleet to target NVA troops massed around the Demilitarized Zone with air strikes and naval gunfire.
April 4
In a further response to Eastertide, President Nixon... [more]
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April 12-13, 1972 two days
Attack on Kontum Aims to Cut South Vietnam in Half
NVA Eastertide attack on Kontum begins in central South Vietnam. If the attack succeeds, South Vietnam will effectively be cut in two.
In an assault spearheaded by tanks, NVA troops manage to seize control of the northern part of the city. But... [more]
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April 15, 1972
U.S. Bomb Hanoi and Haiphong Harbor
Hanoi and Haiphong harbor are bombed by the... [more]
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April 27, 1972
Paris Peace Talks Resume
Paris peace talks resume. Two weeks after the initial attack, North Vietnamese forces again battle toward Quang Tri City. The defending South Vietnamese division retreats. By April 29, the NVA takes Dong Ha, and by May 1, Quang Tri... [more]
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April 30, 1972
U.S. Troop Levels Drop to 69,000
U.S. troop levels drop to... [more]
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May 4, 1972
U.S. and South Vietnam Suspend Paris Peace Talks
The U.S. and South Vietnam suspend participation in the Paris peace talks indefinitely. 125 additional U.S. warplanes are ordered to... [more]
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May 8, 1972
Nixon Launches Opeation Linebacker 1
In response to the ongoing NVA Eastertide Offensive, President Nixon announces Operation Linebacker I, the mining of North Vietnam's harbors along with intensified bombing of roads, bridges, and oil facilities. The announcement brings international... [more]
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May 8, 1972
Napalm Accidentally Dropped on South Vietnamese Civilians
During an air strike conducted by South Vietnamese pilots, Napalm bombs are accidentally dropped on South Vietnamese civilians, including children. Filmed footage and a still photo of a badly burned nude girl fleeing the destruction of her hamlet... [more]
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May 15, 1972
U.S. Army Headquarters in Vietnam Decommissioned
The headquarters for the U.S. Army in Vietnam is... [more]
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May 17, 1972
Reports Claim that Operation Linebacker 1 is Damaging NVA Supplies
According to U.S. reports, Operation Linebacker I is damaging North Vietnam's ability to supply NVA troops engaged in the Eastertide... [more]
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May 22-30, 1972 one week
Nixon Meets with Brezhnev
President Nixon visits the Soviet Union and meets with Leonid Brezhnev to forge new diplomatic relations with the Communist nation. Nixon's visit causes great concern in Hanoi that their Soviet ally might be inclined to agree to an unfavorable... [more]
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May 30, 1972
U.S. Air Strikes Help Thwart NVA Attack on Kontum
NVA attack on Kontum is thwarted by South Vietnamese troops, aided by massive U.S. air... [more]
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July 13, 1972
Paris Peace Talks Resume
Paris peace talks... [more]
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July 19, 1972
NVA Retains Control of Binh Dinh Despite South Vietnamese Counter-Offensive
South Vietnamese troops begin a major counter-offensive against NVA in Binh Dinh Province. With U.S. air support, the South Vietnamese Army begins a drive to recapture Binh Dinh province and its cities. The battles last until September 15, by which... [more]
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August 1, 1972
Le Duc Tho Meets with Kissinger in Paris
Henry Kissinger meets again with Le Duc Tho in... [more]
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August 23, 1972
Last U.S. Combat Troops Leave Vietnam
The last U.S. combat troops depart... [more]
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September 29, 1972
North Vietnamese Air Force Depleted by U.S. Air Raids
Heavy U.S. air raids against airfields in North Vietnam destroy 10 percent of their air... [more]
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October 8, 1972
Kissinger and Le Duc Tho Make Concessions
The long-standing diplomatic stalemate between Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho finally ends as both sides agree to major concessions. The U.S. will allow North Vietnamese troops already in South Vietnam to remain there, while North Vietnam drops its... [more]
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October 22, 1972
Kissinger Meets with Thieu
In Saigon, Kissinger visits President Thieu to discuss the peace proposal.
Meetings between Kissinger and Thieu go badly as an emotional Thieu adamantly opposes allowing North Vietnamese troops to remain indefinitely in South Vietnam. An angry... [more]
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October 22, 1972
Operation Linebacker I Ends Effectively Disrupting Eastertide
Operation Linebacker I ends. U.S. warplanes flew 40,000 sorties and dropped over 125,000 tons of bombs during the bombing campaign which effectively disrupted North Vietnam's Eastertide Offensive.
During the failed offensive, the North suffered... [more]
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October 24, 1972
Thieu Publicly Denounces Peace Proposal
President Thieu publicly denounces Kissinger's peace... [more]
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October 26, 1972
Kissinger Promotes Peace Settlement Despite Accusations of Sabotage
Radio Hanoi reveals terms of the peace proposal and accuses the U.S. of attempting to sabotage the settlement. At the White House, now a week before the presidential election, Henry Kissinger holds a press briefing and declares "We believe that... [more]
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November 14, 1972
Nixon Advises Thieu to Act in Case of Treaty Violation
President Nixon sends a letter to President Thieu secretly pledging "to take swift and severe retaliatory action" if North Vietnam violates the proposed peace... [more]
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November 26, 1972
Basic Treaty is Signed
The Basic Treaty governing relations between East and West Germany is signed by both parties. Both states agreed to recognize each other, and the four powers agreed to support their admission to the United Nations. This was undertaken with the... [more]
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November 30, 1972
American Troop Withdrawal is Complete
American troop withdrawal from Vietnam is completed, although there are still 16,000 Army advisors and administrators remaining to assist South Vietnam's military... [more]
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December 18, 1972
Operation Linebacker II Commences
In Paris, peace negotiations between Kissinger and Le Duc Tho collapse after Kissinger presents a list of 69 changes demanded by President Thieu.
President Nixon now issues an ultimatum to North Vietnam that serious negotiations must resume... [more]
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December 26, 1972
North Vietnam Agrees to Resume Peace Negotiations
North Vietnam agrees to resume peace negotiations within five days of the end of... [more]
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December 29, 1972
Operation Linebacker II Proves to be Most Intensive Bombing Campaign
Operation Linebacker II ends what had been the most intensive bombing campaign of the entire war with over 100,000 bombs dropped on Hanoi and Haiphong. Fifteen of the 121 B-52s participating were shot down by the North Vietnamese who fired 1200... [more]
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January 8, 1973
Paris Peace Talks Resume
North Vietnam and the United States resume peace talks in Paris. Kissinger and Le Duc Tho resume negotiations in... [more]
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January 9, 1973
Thieu Accepts Terms of Peace Agreement
All remaining differences are resolved between Kissinger and Le Duc Tho.
President Thieu, once again threatened by Nixon with a total cut-off of American aid to South Vietnam, now unwillingly accepts the peace agreement, which still allows... [more]
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January 23, 1973
Nixon Announces Peace Agreement
President Nixon announces that an agreement has been reached which will "end the war and bring peace with... [more]
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January 27, 1973
Paris Peace Accords
The Paris Peace Accords are signed by the U.S., North Vietnam, South Vietnam and the Viet Cong. Under the terms, the U.S. agrees to immediately halt all military activities and withdraw all remaining military personnel within 60 days. The North... [more]
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March 29, 1973
All American Troops Withdraw from Vietnam
The last remaining American troops withdraw from Vietnam as President Nixon declares "the day we have all worked and prayed for has finally come."
America's longest war, and its first defeat, thus concludes. During 15 years of military... [more]
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April 1973
Nixon and Thieu Meet in California
President Nixon and President Thieu meet at San Clemente, California. Nixon renews his earlier secret pledge to respond militarily if North Vietnam violates the peace... [more]
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June 19, 1973
Case-Church Amendment
The U.S. Congress passes the Case-Church Amendment which forbids any further U.S. military involvement in Southeast Asia, effective August 15, 1973. The veto-proof vote is 278-124 in the House and 64-26 in the Senate.
The Amendment paves the way... [more]
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July 16, 1973
U.S. Senate Armed Forces Committee Begins Hearing on Cambodia
The U.S. Senate Armed Forces Committee begins hearings into the secret bombing of Cambodia during... [more]
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July 17, 1973
First Call for Nixon Impeachment
Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger testifies before the Armed Forces Committee that 3500 bombing raids were launched into Cambodia to protect American troops by targeting NVA positions. The extent of Nixon's secret bombing campaign angers many... [more]
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August 14, 1973
Bombing in Cambodia Halted
U.S. bombing activities in Cambodia are halted in accordance with the Congressional ban resulting from the Case-Church... [more]
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August 22, 1973
Kissinger Appointed Secretary of State
Henry Kissinger is appointed by President Nixon as the new Secretary of State, replacing William... [more]
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November 7, 1973
War Powers Resolution
Congress passes the War Powers Resolution requiring the President to obtain the support of Congress within 90 days of sending American troops... [more]
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January 1974
North Vietnamese Rebuild Divisions in the South
Though they are still too weak to launch a full-scale offensive, the North Vietnamese have rebuilt their divisions in the South, and have captured key... [more]
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August 9, 1974
Nixon Resigns
President Richard M. Nixon resigns, leaving South Vietnam without its strongest... [more]
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September 1974
U.S. Leaves South Vietnam Underfunded
The U.S. Congress appropriates only $700 million for South Vietnam. This leaves the South Vietnamese Army under-funded and results in a decline of military readiness and... [more]
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September 16, 1974
Ford Announces Clemency Program for Deserters and Draft Evaders
President Gerald R. Ford announces a clemency program for draft evaders and military deserters. The program runs through March 31, 1975, and requires fugitives to take an oath of allegiance and also perform up to two years of community service. Out... [more]
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October, 1974
Politburo of North Vietnam Plans Invasion of South Vietnam
The Politburo in North Vietnam decides to launch an invasion of South Vietnam in... [more]
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December 13, 1974
North Vietnamese Attack Phuoc Long Province
North Vietnam violates the Paris peace treaty and tests President Ford's resolve by attacking Phuoc Long Province in South Vietnam. President Ford responds with diplomatic protests but no military force in compliance with the Congressional ban on... [more]
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December 18, 1974
Hanoi Meeting to Plot Final Victory
North Vietnam's leaders meet in Hanoi to form a plan for final... [more]
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January 6, 1975
NVA Take Phuoc Long Violating Peace Agreement
In a disastrous loss for the South Vietnamese, the NVA take Phuoc Long city and the surrounding province. The attack, a blatant violation of the Paris peace agreement, produces no retaliation from the United... [more]
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January 8, 1975
20 Divisions Set to Invade South Vietnam
NVA general staff plan for the invasion of South Vietnam by 20 divisions is approved by North Vietnam's Politburo. By now, the Soviet-supplied North Vietnamese Army is the fifth largest in the world. It anticipates a two year struggle for victory.... [more]
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January 14, 1975
Schlesinger States That U.S. Has Broken Promises to South Vietnam
Testifying before Congress, Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger states that the U.S. is not living up to its earlier promise to South Vietnam's President Thieu of "severe retaliatory action" in the event North Vietnam violated the Paris peace... [more]
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March, 1975
NVA Captures Quang Tri Province
Another NVA offensive sends 100,000 soldiers against the major cities of Quang Tri, Hue and Da Nang. Backed by powerful armored forces and eight full regiments of artillery, they quickly succeed in capturing Quang Tri... [more]
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March 1, 1975
South Vietnamese Army Devasted by NVA Offensive
A powerful NVA offensive is unleashed in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam. The resulting South Vietnamese retreat is chaotic and costly, with nearly 60,000 troops dead or... [more]
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March 10, 1975
NVA Begins Final Offensive
The final offensive begins as 25,000 NVA attack Ban Me Thuot located in the Central... [more]
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March 11, 1975
Fall of Ban Me Thuot
Ban Me Thuot falls after half of the 4000 South Vietnamese soldiers defending it surrender or... [more]
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March 13, 1975
NVA Shells Vietnamese Leaving Highlands Region
President Thieu decides to abandon the Highlands region and two northern provinces to the NVA. This results in a mass exodus of civilians and soldiers, clogging roads and bringing general chaos. NVA then shell the disorganized retreat which becomes... [more]
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March 18, 1975
NVA Leaders Decide to Accelerate Offensive
Realizing the South Vietnamese Army is nearing collapse, NVA leaders meet and decide to accelerate their offensive to achieve total victory before May... [more]
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March 30, 1975
Fall of Da Nang
NVA forces move into South Vietnam in force, and on March 19, Quang Tri City falls to the NVA. On March 24, Tam Ky is over-run by NVA forces, and on March 25, Hue falls without resistance after a three day siege. South Vietnamese troops now break... [more]
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March 31, 1975
Ho Chi Minh Campaign Begins
NVA begin the 'Ho Chi Minh Campaign,' the final push toward... [more]
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Early April 1975
NVA Makes Stunning Gains within Five Weeks
Five weeks into its campaign, the North Vietnamese Army has made stunning gains. Twelve provinces and more than eight million people are under its control. The South Vietnamese Army has lost its best units, over a third of its men, and almost half... [more]
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April 9, 1975
South Vietnamese Defend Xuan Loc
NVA close in on Xuan Loc, 38 miles from Saigon. 40,000 NVA attack the city and for the first time encounter stiff resistance from South Vietnamese... [more]
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April 20, 1975
Martin Pushes Thieu to Resign
U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin meets with President Thieu and pressures him to resign given the gravity of the situation and the unlikelihood that Thieu could ever negotiate with the... [more]
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April 21, 1975
Thieu Resigns, Condemning America
A bitter, tearful President Thieu resigns during a 90 minute rambling TV speech to the people of South Vietnam. Thieu reads from the letter sent by Nixon in 1972 pledging "severe retaliatory action" if South Vietnam was threatened. Thieu condemns... [more]
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April 22, 1975
Xuan Loc Falls to NVA
Xuan Loc falls to the NVA after a two week battle with South Vietnam's 18th Army Division which inflicted over 5000 NVA casualties and delayed the 'Ho Chi Minh Campaign' for two... [more]
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April 23, 1975
NVA Advances on Saigon
100,000 NVA soldiers advance on Saigon which is now overflowing with refugees. On this same day, President Ford gives a speech at Tulane University stating the conflict in Vietnam is "a war that is finished as far as America is... [more]
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April 27, 1975
Saigon Surrounded in Chaos
Saigon is encircled. 30,000 South Vietnamese soldiers are inside the city but are leaderless. NVA fire rockets into downtown civilian areas as the city erupts into chaos and widespread... [more]
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April 28, 1975
New South Vietrnamese President Calls for a Cease Fire
'Neutralist' General Duong Van "Big" Minh becomes the new president of South Vietnam and appeals for a cease-fire. His appeal is... [more]
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April 29, 1975
Operation Frequent Wind Calls for Saigon Evacuation
NVA shell Tan Son Nhut air base in Saigon, killing two U.S. Marines at the compound gate. Conditions then deteriorate as South Vietnamese civilians loot the air base. President Ford now orders Operation Frequent Wind, the helicopter evacuation of... [more]
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April 29, 1975
Airlift Out of Saigon
U.S. Marines and Air Force helicopters, flying from carriers off-shore, begin a massive airlift. In 18 hours, over 1,000 American civilians and almost 7,000 South Vietnamese refugees are flown out of... [more]
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April 30, 1975
South Vietnam Falls as American Marines Depart
At 8:35 a.m., the last Americans, ten Marines from the embassy, depart Saigon, concluding the United States presence in Vietnam. North Vietnamese troops pour into Saigon and encounter little resistance. By 11 a.m., the red and blue Viet Cong flag... [more]
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December 1983 4 years
Pershing II Missiles Deployed in West Germany
Due to Soviet deployment of the SS-20 missile in East Germany and Eastern Europe, NATO decided in December 1979 to accept the new US Pershing II missile system. Despite political pressure and mass protests in Western Europe, the first missile... [more]
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March 11, 1985
Mikhail Gorbachev Comes to Power
After the death of Yuri Andropov and then Konstin Chernenko, Mikhail Gorbachev emerged as the new General Secretary of the CPSU. His policies of peristroka and glasnot brought a new openess to the Soviet Union. It also exposed the... [more]
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June 12, 1987
Reagan’s Berlin Wall Speech
In a speech in West Berlin, President Ronald Reagan says, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Only a few years later, the wall indeed comes... [more]
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September 7-11 1987 4 days
Honecker Visits Bonn
In an unprecedented move, Erich Honecker, leader of East Germany, visited the capital of West Germany. The new Chancellor of West Germany, Helmut Kohl, received Honecker with full state honors. This was significant because it was a further... [more]
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January 20, 1989
George Bush inaugurated as 41st President of the United States
George Bush was inaugurated as the 41st President of the United States. President Bush will be the last President of the United States to fight the Cold War, and the Soviet Union will dissolve during his... [more]
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February 15, 1989
Last Soviet troops leave Afghanistan.
The last Soviet troops were withdrawn from Afgahnistan. Gorbachev demanded that the retreat be orderly and dignified--he did not want television images reminiscent of the chaotic 1975 US pullout from Vietnam. "We must not appear before the world in... [more]
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May 5, 1989
Lithuania and Estonia declare sovereignty
Lithuania and Estonia declare sovereignty; Latvia follows on 29... [more]
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June 3, 1989
Chinese Army suppresses dissidents in Tiananmen Square
The Chinese Army suppressed dissidents in Tiananmen Square. Students who had been protesting for democracy for months in the middle of Beijing were brutally scattered and broken up, and possibly thousands die in the crackdown. The suppression was... [more]
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July 6-7, 1989 2 days
USSR will not block East European reform
Gorbachev told the Strasbourg based Council of Europe that USSR will not block East European reform. Gorbachev told the Council that it is "the sovereign right of each people to choose their own social system."
July 7, 1989
Gorbachev told... [more]
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August, 24, 1989
First non-communist government in Eastern Europe since 1948 elected in Poland
The first non-communist government in Eastern Europe since 1948 was elected in Poland. The Solidarity union led by Lech Welesa was legalized and allowed to participate in elections. A Solidarity victory in the elections in April of 1989 led the way... [more]
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September 1989 1 month
17,000 East Germans flee to Austria
More than 17,000 East Germans flee to Austria via Czechoslovakia and... [more]
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September 10, 1989
Hungary opens border with Austria
On May 3, 1989, Hungarian soldiers removed the barbed wire fence on the border with Austria. The Hungarian government called the fence "outdated" and superfluous, given the existence of Hungary's new (1988) liberal passport law. The Hungarian... [more]
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October 9, 1989
100,000 East Germans march in Leipzig, demand democracy
100,000 East Germans marched in Leipzig, demanding democracy with the chant "Wir sind das Volk (We are the people). The march is one of many "Monday Demonstrations" held weekly in Leipzig and other East German... [more]
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October 9, 1989
Monday Demonstrations in Leipzig
on the evening of October 9, 1989, Leipzig witnessed the largest protest demonstration in East Germany since the uprising of June 17, 1953: seventy thousand people marched through the city center. The police no longer stood a chance, and they... [more]
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October 18, 1989
Erich Honecker Resigns
In the morning, Manfred von Ardenne, a well-known Dresden scientist, said he had the impression that the SED leadership had not yet grasped the seriousness of the situation and complained that there have been no »significant deeds and changes.« He... [more]
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October 18, 1989
Egon Krenz replaces Honecker as East German leader.
Erich Honecker resigned from his position of leadership in the East German government, and he is replaced by Egon... [more]
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November 4, 1989
Largest Protest Demonstration in the History of the GDR in Berlin
The center of East Berlin was entirely filled with demonstrators by the early morning of November 4, 1989. Traffic had come to a complete standstill. Actors wearing green and yellow sashes, bearing the slogan "No Violence" were on hand to keep... [more]
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November 7, 1989
The government of the GDR Resigns
The entire East German government resigned, after directing a final appeal to the public that, "in this serious situation, all energies be concentrated on keeping up all functions indispensable to the people, society and the economy." The ministers... [more]
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November 9, 1989
Berlin Wall opens
After a misunderstanding, Günter Schabowski announced in a press conference the opening of all border crossings within Berlin and with the Federal Republic of Germany. Tens of thousands of people immediately went to the Wall, where the border... [more]
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November 9, 1989
Berlin Wall Falls
At a press conference held by the SED leadership, they announced that border controls would be eased. Confusion spreads as people thought the Wall would be opened, and border guards were unsure of what to do. The guards eventually decided to open... [more]
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December 2-3, 1989 2 days
Bush and Gorbachev meet at Malta
Bush and Gorbachev met at Malta in the so-called shipboard summit. The summit opened the way for the successful conclusoin of the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty in 1990 and the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) in 1991. A press... [more]
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December 3, 1989
East German government resigns
Amid pressure following the fall of the Berlin Wall, the ruling East German government resigned paving the way for possible reunification with West... [more]
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December 25, 1989
Nicolae Ceauşescu and wife executed in Romania
The regime Nicolae Ceauşescu collapsed after he ordered regular military forces and the Securitate to fire on anti-Communist demonstrators in the city of Timişoara on December 17, 1989. The demonstrations were triggered by the... [more]
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December 29, 1989
Vaclav Havel becomes first democratic president of Czechoslovakia
On December 29, 1989, Vaclav Havel, the head of the Civic Forum, was elected president by the Federal Assembly. In the following free elections of 1990 he retained the... [more]
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February 25, 1990
Demonstrators across USSR attack Gorbachev by name
Demonstrators across USSR attacked Gorbachev by name; in Moscow troops and KGB units stand by as 50,000 to 100,000 marched through... [more]
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March 11, 1990
Lithuania declares independence
Lithuania declares independence; Gorbachev brands move... [more]
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May 4, 1990
Latvia declares independence
Latvia declares independence; Gorbachev declares act... [more]
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May 29, 1990
Boris Yel'tsin elected chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Republic
Boris Yel'tsin was elected Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian... [more]
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May 30, 1990
Bush and Gorbachev open their second summit in Washington
Bush and Gorbachev opened their second summit in Washington, and Gorbachev said during the course of the summit: "Germans should decide whether or not they're in... [more]
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June 12, 1990
Russian republic declares sovereignty
Russian republic declares... [more]
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June 16, 1990
Ukraine declares sovereignty
Ukraine declares... [more]
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September 12, 1990
"Two Plus Four" Treaty Signed in Moscow
The "Treaty on the Final Settlement With Respect to Germany" more commonly known as the "Two Plus Four Treaty" was the final peace treaty negotiated between the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Democratic Republic, and the Four Powers that... [more]
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October 3, 1990
Germany is Reunified
Following a treaty signed by the four occupying powers and the two German states in Moscow on September 12, the two Germanies were officially reunited as one into the Federal Republic of Germany. The first free elections of a unified Germany were... [more]
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October 3, 1990
German Unification
Germany was officially reunified on October 3, 1990, when the five reestablished federal states (Bundesländer) of East Germany formally joined the Federal Republic of Germany.
An agreement to reunite both parts of Germany was reached on February... [more]
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December 20, 1990
Shevardnadze resigns as foreign minister
Shevardnardze resigned as the Soviet foreign minister and he warned of an impending dictatorship. His warning followed the replacement of a reformer with a diehard as interior minister by... [more]
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February 25, 1991
Warsaw Pact members abrogate all military agreements
Warsaw Pact members abrogated all military agreements, but would retain political ties. At the same time pro-reform demonstrators marched in... [more]
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March 31, 1991
Warsaw Pact officially dissolves
The Warsaw Pact was officially... [more]
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August 19, 1991
August Coup against Gorbachev fails
On August 19, 1991, one day before Gorbachev and a group of republic leaders were due to sign the Union Treaty, a group calling itself the State Emergency Committee attempted to seize power in Moscow. The group announced that Gorbachev was ill and... [more]
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December 7-8, 1991 2 days
Minsk Agreement abolishes USSR and Forms the CIS
Presidents of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus met secretly at Belovezhskaya Pushcha (Belorussia) to sign the Minsk agreement. The agreement abolished the USSR and formed the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Gorbachev branded the agreement as... [more]
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December 25, 1991
Gorbachev resigns
Gorbachev, leader of the Soviet Union for almost seven years, resigned as the President of the Soviet Union. The federal Russian flag replaced the Soviet flag over the Kremlin, and marked the final dissolution of the Soviet... [more]
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December 31, 1991
USSR officially ceases to exist under international law
The Soviet Union officially ceases to exist under international... [more]
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