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Ho Chi Minh establishes the Viet Minh (the League for the Independence of Vietnam).

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Japan surrenders to Allied forces. Ho Chi Minh declares Vietnam an independent nation, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. But victorious France reassumes colonial authority.

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China begins providing the Viet Minh with military advisors and weapons. In response, the United States pledges $15 million in military aid to France.

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The French are defeated at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu by the Viet Minh.

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At an International Peace Conference, a cease-fire for the withdrawal of the French from Vietnam is declared and creates a temporary boundary between North and South Vietnam at the 17th parallel.

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South Vietnam declares itself the Republic of Vietnam. President Ngo Dinh Diem is elected through rigged elections. The North remains under the control of Ho's Communists.

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During a coup, President Diem is assassinated and the Viet Cong take advantage of the power vacuum to begin operations in the South.

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Last U.S. forces leave Vietnam.

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Japan invades Vietnam during World War II.

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Vietnam becomes a French colony, called Indochina. (1858)

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My Lai Massacre: A massacre of the My Lai village of unarmed civilians including women, children, and the elderly.

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Nixon begins the policy of "Vietnamization": U.S. troops would pull out while the South Vietnamese increased their combat role. Nixon also begins secretly carpet-bombing eastern Cambodia and Laos.

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Gulf of Tonkin incident in which the North Vietnamese attack two U.S. destroyers in international waters.

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Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: Authorized the president to use war powers and send American troops into Vietnam. Congress never issued an official declaration of war.

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Tet Offensive: North Vietnamese Communists attack major South Vietnamese cities and bases.

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Paris Peace Accords: a cease-fire is signed by the United States, North Vietnam, and South Vietnam.

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Saigon falls to North Vietnamese troops.