Historical Events tagged with "Vietnam"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Withdrawal of South Vietnamese Forces from Xuan Loc

April 19th, 1975 49 years ago

South Vietnamese troops retreated from Xuan Loc amidst intense fighting with North Vietnamese forces. This marked the culmination of the last major battle of the Vietnam War, as the city's strategic importance dwindled, leading to significant territorial losses for South Vietnam. Following their withdrawal, the remaining forces began to regroup in anticipation of further conflicts, signaling the imminent collapse of the Republic of Vietnam.

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Military & Warfare

USAF Bombing Campaign in Cambodia Concludes

August 15th, 1973 51 years ago

The United States Air Force concluded its bombing campaign in Cambodia, which had been conducted since 1969 as part of efforts to target North Vietnamese forces. This decision followed rising anti-war sentiment in the United States and the withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam. The bombing had resulted in significant damage and casualties in Cambodia, contributing to widespread unrest. The end of this campaign marked a pivotal point in U.S. foreign policy and its military strategy in Southeast Asia.

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Military & Warfare

Massive B-52 Bombing Raid on Hanoi

December 26th, 1972 52 years ago

In a significant escalation of the Vietnam War, 120 American B-52 Stratofortress bombers launched a coordinated bombing mission against Hanoi. Four B-52 wings participated, with 78 of the bombers taking off from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. This operation was part of Operation Linebacker II, aimed at compelling North Vietnam to resume peace negotiations. The raid marked the largest single combat launch in Strategic Air Command history and represented a critical phase in the air campaign over Vietnam.

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Military & Warfare

Nixon Orders Naval Mines in North Vietnam

May 8th, 1972 52 years ago

U.S. President Richard Nixon announced his order to place naval mines in major North Vietnamese ports to disrupt the flow of goods and military supplies to North Vietnam. This strategic move aimed to weaken the enemy's capabilities during the Vietnam War and was part of a broader military operation. The decision marked a significant escalation in U.S. military involvement in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Vietnam War: The Battle of An Lộc Begins

April 13th, 1972 52 years ago

The Battle of An Lộc commenced during the Vietnam War, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict. The North Vietnamese Army launched an offensive against the town of An Lộc, strategically located in southern Vietnam. The objective was to capture this area as part of their broader strategy to undermine the South Vietnamese government. The battle involved intense fighting and significant casualties on both sides, with the South Vietnamese forces, supported by American air power, determined to hold their ground against the communist advance.

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Military & Warfare

First Vietnam Draft Lottery Since World War II

December 1st, 1969 55 years ago

The first draft lottery for the Vietnam War was held in the United States, marking a significant shift in military conscription. This event took place in select cities and was intended to ensure fairness in the draft process, as young men of various backgrounds were randomly selected for military service. The lottery utilized a system of drawing birth dates, which created a mix of anxiety and anticipation among draft-eligible individuals across the nation.

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Politics & Government

Nixon's Unscheduled Visit to South Vietnam

July 30th, 1969 55 years ago

U.S. President Richard Nixon visited South Vietnam to meet with President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu and military commanders amidst ongoing conflict. The impromptu visit aimed to reassure U.S. allies and bolster support for American efforts in Vietnam. Nixon's presence signified strong U.S. commitment to South Vietnam during a crucial phase of the Vietnam War.

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Military & Warfare

Westmoreland Asserts American Victory in Vietnam

November 21st, 1967 57 years ago

American General William Westmoreland addressed news reporters, asserting that the enemy was losing the Vietnam War compared to the situation in 1965. Westmoreland's confident remarks aimed to bolster public morale and support for the ongoing military efforts in Vietnam. His statement reflected the prevailing military strategy at the time, which emphasized attrition and the eventual depletion of the enemy's resources.

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Politics & Government

Nguyễn Cao Kỳ's Attempt to Capture Đà Nẵng

April 5th, 1966 58 years ago

Nguyễn Cao Kỳ, the Prime Minister of South Vietnam, initiated a campaign to capture the city of Đà Nẵng amid rising tensions with the Buddhist community. This occurred during a time of significant unrest due to government repression of Buddhist protests. Though Kỳ aimed to assert control and quell disturbances, he ultimately decided against following through with the military operation, recognizing the potential consequences and backlash from the public and Buddhist leadership.

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