Vietnam: Review What are the key events and terms you need to know?

The Battle of Dien Bien Phu May French surrender to the Vietminh at a major French outpost. France stops fighting for control of Vietnam.

The Geneva Accords – July 1954 Vietnam divided into North and South along the 17 th parallel. Elections scheduled for Elections never held (U.S. and South Vietnam refused to participate.)

Tonkin Gulf Resolution – August 1964 In response to an alleged attack on the USS Maddox, Congress gave Johnson authority to use “all necessary measures…to prevent further aggressions.”

The Tet Offensive – Jan Surprise attack by the Vietcong and North Vietnamese army during a truce for the New Year. Military failure for the North, but showed the American public that the North was not defeated. Led to a lack of support for the war among the American people.

The 1968 Election Lyndon Johnson did not run for re-election. Democratic Party split. Robert Kennedy assassinated. Hubert Humphrey nominated. Republican Richard Nixon elected. Nixon begins policy of “Vietnamization” of the war.

U.S. Pulls out of the War – March of 1973 All U.S. troops left Vietnam. The war between the North and South continued for two more years.

North Vietnam captures Saigon – August South Vietnam surrendered. Vietnam united under Communist Rule.

Terms to Know Ho Chi Minh Trail “Hawks” and “Doves” Deferment (from the draft – how could you get one?) Vietcong Pentagon Papers (What effect did they have on the American public?) War Powers Act (What did it do?)