At a conference in Geneva, the world powers decide to divide Vietnam in half (communists in the North, democracy in the South).

Ho Chi Minh’s Viet Minh forces defeat the French at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, ending the Indochina War.

John F. Kennedy wins the presidential election, defeating Richard Nixon

Self-immolation of the Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc in Saigon brings attention to the developing conflict

President Diem and his brother are found murdered during a coup by Southern Vietnamese army generals

President Kennedy is assassinated, LBJ sworn in as president

Gulf of Tonkin incidents lead LBJ to ask congressional approvalfor direct U.S. involvement in Vietnam

First U.S. marines land at the Danang base with combat orders

Hundreds of thousands of anti-war protestors gather for demonstrationsin New York City’s Central Park and in Washington D.C.

During the Tet Offensive, North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops launchedsurprise attacks against American targets throughout South Vietnam

American soldiers kill more than 500 unarmed civilians in and around thevillage of My Lai

Richard Nixon wins the presidency

4 students at Kent State University shot by the National Guard during a protest

Cease-fire announced, U.S. POWS return home

Richard Nixon leaves office

Fall of Saigon