2U.S. combat troops deployed
1965-1973
3Truman Doctrine adopts containment as U.S. foreign policy.
1947
4President Dwight D. Eisenhower expresses the Domino Theory in a press conference.
1954
5Diem becomes President of South Vietnam after defeating Bao Dai in a referendum.
1955
6Implementation of Strategic Hamlet Program.
1961-63
7November 1963
Diem is assassinated in a U.S.-supported coup.
81965-1968
Operation Rolling Thunder (≈643,000 tons of bombs on North Vietnam).
9December 1972
Operation Linebacker II (≈20,000 tons of bombs in 12 days).
101968
Tet Offensive, triggering major public distrust and anti-war sentiment.
111970
Kent State shootings (4 killed, 9 wounded during protests).