Vietnam War Timeline Iraq War Points of View

Purpose of Iraq’s invasion/ Reason for Conflict Bush Iraq aggressor in attacking Kuwait U.S. supported by U.N. was defending people of Kuwait against Iraqi agressor Saddam Hussein Iraq justified in reclaiming Kuwait Take over result of long-standing conflict. U.S. Agressor

Goals of U.S./Actions U.S. before Desert Storm Bush Defend Kuwait Attempted months of negotiations before attack Hussein U.S. Imperialistic wanted to take control U.S. ambitions prevented good faith negotiations.

Actions of the U.S. during Desert Storm U.S. would take all actions necessary to defend Kuwait U.S. Aggressor

France establishes new government led by emperor Bao Dai France establishes new government led by emperor Bao Dai. The Vietminh resist. With the fall of Dien Bien Phu, France concedes defeat. Geneva Accords divide Vietnam along the 17th parallel, with the Vietminh in control in the north. National Liberation front forms to overthrow Diem and reunite Vietnam. Rebel generals assassinate South Vietnamese leader Ngo Dinh Diem. Congress issues the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, authorizing President Johnson to take all necessary steps to prevent further aggression by the Vietcong.

Vietcong attack a Special Forces base at Pleiku Vietcong attack a Special Forces base at Pleiku. The United States retaliates with air strikes in North Vietnam. American ground troops are finally committed in Operation Rolling Thunder. A rally at Washington, D.C.’s , Lincoln Memorial draws tens of thousands of protesters. Vietcong execute surprise Tet offensive. Antiwar protesters riot at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago

Nixon begins troop withdrawal, in accordance with his Vietnamization policy Kissinger begins secret negotiations with Le Duc Tho about potential cease-fire. American troops destroy Vietcong bases in Cambodia. New protests erupt. Ohio National Guard soldiers kill four and wound nine students at Kent State University during an antiwar protest Congress repeals the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Daniel Ellsberg leaks the “Pentagon Papers” to the New York Times. “Christmas Bombings” relentlessly strike Hanoi for 12 days bringing North Vietnam and the United States back to the bargaining table. United States withdraws troops from Vietnam and exchanges POWs. Saigon falls to the Vietcong. The United States evacuates all American personnel.