Hist111D Final Terms

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National Liberation Front (NLF), 1960

Also called the Viet Cong, this political organization and army in South Vietnam and Cambodia fought against the South and the United States. It had guerrilla and regular army units, and politically organized the peasants in the territory it controlled. During the war it was portrayed as a movement indigenous to South Vietnam, but it always contained some northerners as well.

Coup against Ngo Dinh Diem, November 1, 1963

South Vietnam president Ngo dinh Diem and his brother was overthrown and assassinated in a military vehicle. It dramatically altered the political landscape of South Vietnam and was a mark of the Diem regime's downfall. It showed a shift in U.S. approach to anti-Communism and was a pivotal point of American intervention. 

Tonkin Gulf Resolution (August 1964)

Gave LBJ the authorization (“blank check”) to do whatever he felt was necessary in Vietnam without asking for congressional approval. It was a precursor to the massive escalation of American involvement in Vietnam after 1965 and marked America’s full-scale involvement in the Vietnam War.

Tet Offensive (January 31, 1968)

A coordinated series of North Vietnamese attacks on more than 100 cities and outposts in South Vietnam. Many were left homeless after the ____ and it led to a de-escalatory momentum from Nixon. The Vietnam War became known as the first televised war due to the ____ and was a crucial turning point in American participation in the Vietnam War (“the beginning of the end”). It also grew anti-war movements and brought wars to the Vietnamese cities for the first time. 

Battle of Hue (January-March 1968)

Major battle in the Tet Offensive launched by North Vietnam and the Vietcong during the Vietnam War. 7,500 NVA soldiers overran Hue, held it for 25 days, and communists executed nearly 3,000 civilians whom they considered supporters of the government of Saigon. Many casualties were created and around 100,000 refugees were created from this battle. Illustrated the brutal tactics of the North.

My Lai Massacre, March 16, 1968

Mass killing of unarmed civilians in the village of My Lai by the U.S. army. Reports said the village was in an area controlled by the Vietcong. However they found no VC and killed anyone in their way, 500 died. This incident is argued to be a microcosm in the Vietnam War itself and it spearheads anti-war protests, as the massacre was said to be a representation of the American love for violence and military. 

Operation Lam Son 719, February 1971

South Vietnamese army forces invade southern Laos. The mission goal was to disrupt the communist supply and infiltration network along Route 9 in Laos. The operation was supported by U.S. airpower (aviation and airlift) and artillery (firing across the border from firebases inside South Vietnam). It was the last major military operation in the Vietnam War.

Easter Offensive, March 1972

When the U.S. had withdrawn most of its troops from Vietnam, the North Vietnamese staged another massive assault on March 30, 1972. North Vietnamese troops crossed over the demilitarized zone (DMZ) at the 17th parallel and invaded South Vietnam. The remaining U.S. forces and the South Vietnamese army fought back.

1973 Paris Peace Accords

Agreement between the DRV, South Vietnam, and the US. The settlement included a cease-fire throughout Vietnam. In addition, the United States agreed to the withdrawal of all U.S. troops and advisors and the dismantling of all U.S. bases within 60 days. In return, the North Vietnamese agreed to release all U.S. and other prisoners of war. Officially ended U.S. direct military involvement in the Vietnam War.

October 31, 1974

Anti-corruption protests in Saigon led to the casualties of 75 civilians and policemen. Protests led by Reverend Tran Huu Thanh, a Catholic priest. 

Spring Offensive 1975

The final major Northern military campaign of the Vietnam War that resulted in the capture of Saigon and the end of the war.

April 30, 1975

“Reunification Day”. The South Vietnamese capital of Saigon was captured by North Vietnam. Marks the end of the Vietnam war and started the period leading up to the formal reunification of Vietnam under communist rule.

March 16, 1968

My Lai Massacre

January-March 1968

Battle of Hue

March 1972

Easter Offensive

February 1971

Operation Lam Son 719

November 1, 1963

Coup against Ngo Dinh Diem

August 1964

Tonkin Gulf Resolution

January 31, 1968

Tet Offensive