Key Events and Movements of the Vietnam War Era

Geneva Accords

Agreement to end French rule in Indochina.

Vietcong

Guerilla force opposing Diem and U.S. involvement.

National Liberation Front (NLF)

Coalition of Vietcong and dissenters against Diem.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

Alleged attacks leading to military escalation.

Americanization

Increase of U.S. troops in Vietnam by Johnson.

Operation Rolling Thunder

Intensive bombing campaign against North Vietnam.

Pacification

Strategy to win local support against Vietcong.

Domino Theory

Belief that Communism spreads to neighboring countries.

Fulbright Hearings

Senate hearings investigating Vietnam War policies.

Conscientious Objection

Exemption for draftees based on moral beliefs.

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)

Leading organization opposing the Vietnam War.

Port Huron Statement

SDS manifesto critiquing U.S. policies and conformity.

Economic Research and Action Project (ERAP)

SDS program organizing against racism and exploitation.

Yippies

Countercultural group advocating nonconformity and protests.

Law Enforcement Assistance Act (LEAA)

Federal grants for police training and equipment.