The Vietnam War

Déjà Vu (1858-1961)

After a century of French occupation, Vietnam emerges independent but divided into North and South.

Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)

As a communist insurgency gains strength, JFK wrestles with American involvement in South Vietnam.

The River Styx (January 1964-December 1965)

With South Vietnam near collapse, LBJ begins bombing the North and sends US troops to the South.

Resolve (January 1966-June 1967)

US soldiers discover Vietnam is unlike their fathers’ war, while the antiwar movement grows.

This Is What We Do (July 1967-December 1967)

President Johnson escalates the war while promising the public that victory is in sight.

Things Fall Apart (January 1968-July 1968)

Shaken by the Tet Offensive, assassinations and unrest, America seems to be coming apart.

The Veneer of Civilization (June 1968-May 1969)

After chaos roils the Democratic Convention, Nixon, promising peace, narrowly wins the presidency.

The History of the World (April 1969-May 1970)

Nixon withdraws troops but when he sends forces into Cambodia the antiwar movement reignites.

A Disrespectful Loyalty (May 1970-March 1973)

South Vietnam fights on its own as Nixon and Kissinger find a way out for America. The POWs return.

The Weight of Memory (March 1973-Onward)

Saigon falls and the war ends. Americans and Vietnamese from all sides search for reconciliation.