January 15, 1969
Completion of Vietnam Study
Gelb completes the Defense Department history and prepares the finished study for delivery to Secretary Clark Clifford.
Database labels: Completion of Vietnam Study
Vietnam War year hub
Vietnam War in 1969: Timeline, Events, Battles and People
The World History Database contains 99 Vietnam/Indochina records dated 1969. After consolidating near-identical rows that describe the same dated event, this year hub presents 90 distinct chronology entries. Frequently represented events include Pentagon Papers, Bombing of Kampuchea, Peace, Massacre, Demonstrations. Frequently represented people include Richard Milhous Nixon, Chou En-Lai, Anthony Russo, Daniel Ellsberg, Robert McNamara.
99 database rows90 consolidated events
Key events
Pentagon Papers, Bombing of Kampuchea, Peace, Massacre, Demonstrations, Diplomatic Negotiations, Vietnamization
People
Richard Milhous Nixon, Chou En-Lai, Anthony Russo, Daniel Ellsberg, Robert McNamara, Leslie Gelb, Clark McAdams Clifford
Places
Washington, Paris, Los Angeles, Midway Island, Hanoi, My Lai, Saigon
Chronology for 1969
January 15, 1969
Pentagon Papers
It was classified Top Secret-Sensitive, although Sensitive was not an official classification and only indicated that access should be controlled.
Database labels: Pentagon Papers · 2 related database rows consolidated
January 15, 1969
Pentagon Papers
McNamara left the Defense Department in February 1968, and his successor Clark M. Clifford received the finished study on January 15, 1969, five days before Richard Nixon's inauguration – although Clifford claimed he never read it.
Database labels: Pentagon Papers · 2 related database rows consolidated
January 15, 1969
Pentagon Papers
The study contained 3,000 pages of historical analysis and 4,000 pages of original government documents in 47 volumes.
Database labels: Pentagon Papers · 2 related database rows consolidated
January 15, 1969
Pentagon Papers Classification
The completed study presented by Gelb remains classified at the Top Secret level.
Database labels: Pentagon Papers Classification
January 15, 1969
Presentation to Clark Clifford
Gelb presents the completed Vietnam study to Secretary of Defense Clark Clifford five days before Richard Nixon's inauguration.
Database labels: Presentation to Clark Clifford
January 25, 1969
Bombing of Vietnam
Nixon proposes "mutual withdrawal" of troops, no bombing of NV
Database labels: Bombing of Vietnam
January 25, 1969
Peace
The first substantive peace talks in Paris
Database labels: Peace
February 1, 1969
Issues a directive to the National Security Council for a rrapprochement with
Issues a directive to the National Security Council for a rrapprochement with China
Database labels: Issues a directive to the National Security Council for a rrapprochement with
February 6, 1969
Vietnamization
Forms joint US & Vietnam Armed Forces Joint General Staff. Adopts a policy of "Vietnamization", transfer burden of war from U.S. to ARVN
Database labels: Vietnamization
February 23, 1969
Communism
Rocket & mortar attacks are launched on 100 cities & bases throughout South Vietnam
Database labels: Communism
February 1969
International Agreement at Paris
Meets Nixon to agree a friendly policy toward China
Database labels: International Agreement at Paris
February 1969
International Agreement at Paris
Meets de Gaulle to agree a pact with China, seen by the State Dept as the main enemy
Database labels: International Agreement at Paris
March 18, 1969
Bombing of Kampuchea
Authorizes the secret bombing of Kampuchea. 1st day of the secret bombing of Kampuchea
Database labels: Bombing of Kampuchea
March 18, 1969
Bombing of Kampuchea
Menu or short-duration bombing of Vietcong sanctuaries, lasts for 14 months. Bombing begins over Kampuchea
Database labels: Bombing of Kampuchea
March 18, 1969
Menu
1st day of the secret bombing of Kampuchea
Database labels: Menu
March 18, 1969
Operation Menu
Helps oversee the secret bombing program in Cambodia
Database labels: Operation Menu
March 18, 1969
Operation Menu Support
Supports bombing of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong bases in Cambodia
Database labels: Operation Menu Support
March 18, 1969
Secret Bombing of Cambodia
Authorizes Operation Menu bombing of Cambodian sanctuaries
Database labels: Secret Bombing of Cambodia
April 22, 1969
Meeting with Manach & says Washington will open talks
Meets Manach & says Washington will open talks with China & support its United Nations membership
Database labels: Meeting with Manach & says Washington will open talks
April 22, 1969
Meeting with Manach & says Washington will talk with
De Gaulle meets Manach & says Washington will talk with China & support United Nations membership
Database labels: Meeting with Manach & says Washington will talk with
April 24, 1969
Bombing of Kampuchea
About 100 B-52s drop bombs northwest of Saigon near the Kampuchean border
Database labels: Bombing of Kampuchea
April 1969
Bombing of Kampuchea
Orders air strikes against the North Vietnamese within 5 miles of the border, April-May
Database labels: Bombing of Kampuchea
May 9, 1969
Bombing of Kampuchea
News of the secret bombing of Kampuchea is leaked to the New York Times
Database labels: Bombing of Kampuchea
May 10, 1969
Hamburger Hill
Commands US forces during the battle for Hill 937
Database labels: Hamburger Hill
May 10, 1969
Hamburger Hill Defense
Associated with North Vietnamese forces opposing the US assault on Hill 937
Database labels: Hamburger Hill Defense
May 12, 1969
Security-Whitehouse
1st wiretap is placed in the White House following leaks about the bombing of Kampuchea
Database labels: Security-Whitehouse
May 14, 1969
Invasion of Vietnam
Proposes withdrawal from South Vietnam of American & North Vietnamese forces on TV
Database labels: Invasion of Vietnam
May 27, 1969
Battle of Hamburger Hill
Abrams withdraws from Hamburger Hill after 241 dead
Database labels: Battle of Hamburger Hill
June 5, 1969
Bombing of Vietnam
Bombing resumes on targets in North Vietnam
Database labels: Bombing of Vietnam
June 8, 1969
Invasion of Vietnam
25,000 troops are withdrawn
Database labels: Invasion of Vietnam
June 8, 1969
Midway Meeting
Meets Nixon as the United States announces troop withdrawals
Database labels: Midway Meeting
June 8, 1969
Midway Meeting
Meets Richard Nixon as Vietnamization is announced
Database labels: Midway Meeting
June 8, 1969
Peace
Meets President Nixon on Midway Island & agrees to his peace proposals
Database labels: Peace
June 8, 1969
Peace
Meets President Thieu on Midway Island who supports the US peace proposals. Announces the withdrawal of 25,000 American troops from Vietnam
Database labels: Peace
June 8, 1969
Provisional Revolutionary Government
Becomes a leading diplomat of the Provisional Revolutionary Government
Database labels: Provisional Revolutionary Government
June 8, 1969
Vietnamization Announced
Announces the first major US troop withdrawal under Vietnamization
Database labels: Vietnamization; Vietnamization Announced · 2 related database rows consolidated
June 13, 1969
security documents leaked
The New York Times publishes security documents leaked to the press by Daniel Ellsberg
Database labels: security documents leaked
July 15, 1969
Operation Arc Light
The monthly sortie rate is reduced to 1,600
Database labels: Operation Arc Light
July 25, 1969
Bombing of Laos
The bombing of Laos is authorized
Database labels: Bombing of Laos
July 25, 1969
Bombing of Laos
Acknowledges and authorizes strikes against the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos
Database labels: Bombing of Laos
July 25, 1969
Nixon Doctrine
Announces the "Nixon Doctrine" in Guam
Database labels: Nixon Doctrine
August 2, 1969
Peace
Meets President Ceausescu who agrees to help set up the peace talks with North Vietnam
Database labels: Peace
August 4, 1969
Secret Paris Contacts
Begins secret contacts with North Vietnamese negotiators
Database labels: Secret Paris Contacts
August 4, 1969
Secret Paris Contacts
Begins secret negotiations with Henry Kissinger
Database labels: Secret Paris Contacts
August 25, 1969
Peace
Sends a letter to Nixon rejecting his peace proposals. Insists upon US unilateral withdrawal from Vietnam & the overthrow of President Thieu
Database labels: Coup; Peace · 2 related database rows consolidated
August 25, 1969
Unification
Declares that there will be no comprimise in Vietnams aim of re-unification
Database labels: Unification
September 2, 1969
Death of Chou En-Lai
"he was my fiend, my teacher...I knew him since 1922 when we were together in Paris"
Database labels: Death of Chou En-Lai
September 2, 1969
Death of Ho Chi Minh
Dies while North Vietnam continues the war
Database labels: Death of Ho Chi Minh
September 2, 1969
Post-Ho Leadership
Emerges as the dominant leader after Ho Chi Minh's death
Database labels: Post-Ho Leadership
September 12, 1969
Border Agreement
En-Lai & Kosygin meet at Beijing airport to agree to discussions on border disputes
Database labels: Border Agreement
September 1969
Alliance China and North Vietnam
Attends Ho Chi Minhs funeral & assures Van Dong China will provide weapons
Database labels: Alliance China and North Vietnam
September 1969
Burial
Reassures Van Dong China will continue to provide weapons. Attends Ho Chi Minhs funeral
Database labels: Burial
September 1969
Diplomatic Negotiations
Informed Washington will open talks with China & support its admittance to the UN
Database labels: Diplomatic Negotiations
October 15, 1969
Demonstrations
The Vietnam Moratorium Committee lead a march of 250,000 in Washington DC
Database labels: Demonstrations
October 15, 1969
Demonstrations
Faces massive anti war demonstrations in Washington
Database labels: Demonstrations
October 20, 1969
Diplomatic Negotiations
Talks begin between Russia & China at Beijing to resolve border disputes
Database labels: Diplomatic Negotiations
October 1969
Classified Document Reproduction
Russo helps reproduce Pentagon Papers documents that Ellsberg intends to circulate beyond authorized government channels.
Database labels: Classified Document Reproduction
October 1969
Copying of Pentagon Papers Begins
Ellsberg begins secretly reproducing portions of the classified Pentagon Papers while associated with RAND.
Database labels: Copying of Pentagon Papers Begins
October 1969
Operation Arc Light
The monthly sortie rate is reduced to 1,400
Database labels: Operation Arc Light
October 1969
Pentagon Papers Copying Assistance
Russo assists Ellsberg with reproduction of classified Pentagon Papers material during the copying operation.
Database labels: Pentagon Papers Copying Assistance
October 1969
RAND Document Reproduction
Ellsberg reproduces classified study materials outside normal government channels as he prepares copies for possible disclosure.
Database labels: RAND Document Reproduction
November 3, 1969
Silent Majority
Nixon makes a TV speech appealing for the silent majority support
Database labels: Silent Majority
November 3, 1969
Silent Majority Speech
Appeals to the silent majority for support of Vietnamization
Database labels: Silent Majority Speech
November 3, 1969
Speech
Says US withdrawal would be a disaster for world peace. Appeals to the "silent majority"
Database labels: Speech
November 12, 1969
My Lai Story
Breaks the story of the My Lai massacre
Database labels: My Lai Story
November 15, 1969
Demonstrations
Moratorium demonstration of 500,000 in Washington DC
Database labels: Demonstrations
November 16, 1969
Demonstrations
Faces anti-war demonstrations following the revelation of the My Lai massacre
Database labels: Demonstrations; Massacre · 2 related database rows consolidated
December 28, 1969
Massacre
Arrives in Vietnam to lead an investigation into the My Lai Massacre
Database labels: Massacre
1969
Operation Raindance
Leads CIA-supported attacks around the Plain of Jars
Database labels: Operation Raindance
1969
Operation About Face
Leads a major offensive that retakes positions on the Plain of Jars
Database labels: Operation About Face
1969
Bombing of Menu
Authorizes the secret "Menu" bombings of communist base areas in Kampuchea
Database labels: Bombing of Menu; Menu Bombings · 2 related database rows consolidated
1969
Chief Negotiator
Appointed Chief Negotiator at the Paris Peace Conference
Database labels: Chief Negotiator
1969
Claims Russian help in ending the Vietnam War will bring about an
Claims Russian help in ending the Vietnam War will bring about an arms deal but fails
Database labels: Claims Russian help in ending the Vietnam War will bring about an
1969
Covert War Briefings
Briefs US policymakers on covert operations in Laos
Database labels: Covert War Briefings
1969
Diplomatic Negotiations
Informed Washington will open talks with China & support its admittance to the UN. The USA begins to relax its embargo of China
Database labels: Diplomatic Negotiations
1969
Hanoi Liaison
Maintains Soviet diplomatic liaison with North Vietnam during the war
Database labels: Hanoi Liaison
1969
Laos Bombing Policy
Helps shape US air and diplomatic policy toward Laos
Database labels: Laos Bombing Policy
1969
Massacre
Seymour Hersh publishes a story about the My Lai massacre of 500 civilians
Database labels: Massacre · 2 related database rows consolidated
1969
Pentagon Papers
With the assistance of his former RAND Corporation colleague, Anthony Russo, Ellsberg secretly made several sets of photocopies of the classified documents he had access to - these became known as the Pentagon Papers
Database labels: Pentagon Papers · 2 related database rows consolidated
1969
Resignation of Henry Cabot Lodge
Resigns after finding the Paris Conference unproductive
Database labels: Resignation of Henry Cabot Lodge
1969
Secret Bombing Continues
Continues US bombing operations in Laos as part of the Vietnam War
Database labels: Secret Bombing Continues
1969
Secret Bombing Continues
Continues large-scale bombing operations in Laos during the Vietnam War
Database labels: Secret Bombing Continues
1969
Secretary of State
Appointed Secretary of State
Database labels: Secretary of State
1969
Secretary of State for Defence
Appointed Secretary of State for Defence
Database labels: Secretary of State for Defence
1969
Sent to Moscow to discuss the control of strategic weapons
Sent to Moscow to discuss the control of strategic weapons
Database labels: Sent to Moscow to discuss the control of strategic weapons
1969
Trade Embargo at Washington
The USA begins to relax its embargo of China
Database labels: Trade Embargo at Washington
1969
Vietnamese Base Pressure
Challenges North Vietnamese and Viet Cong use of Cambodian territory
Database labels: Vietnamese Base Pressure
1969
Vietnamization
Invents the term "Vietnamization" to cover American troop withdrawals
Database labels: Vietnamization
1969
War Statement
Puplishes article in "Foreign Affairs"
Database labels: War Statement
Explore related Vietnam War guides
Ho Chi Minh Trail: Supply Route, Interdiction and Vietnam War Timeline
Explore the Ho Chi Minh Trail and its role in the Vietnam War, including North Vietnamese logistics through Laos and Cambodia and U.S. interdiction campaigns.Vietnamization: Nixon's Strategy, U.S. Withdrawal and South Vietnamese Forces
A Vietnamization timeline covering Richard Nixon's strategy, U.S. troop withdrawals, expansion of South Vietnamese forces and major decisions from 1969 to 1973.Pentagon Papers: Secret Vietnam Study, Publication and Political Impact
Explore the Pentagon Papers timeline from Robert McNamara's secret Vietnam study to Daniel Ellsberg, the 1971 newspaper publication and the legal and political consequences.Sources and historical verification
This authority page consolidates World History Database records into a readable chronology. The database rows are research-index entries; important claims should be checked against primary documents and specialist histories.
Provenance
This year page is generated from World History Database records for 1969. Near-identical rows sharing date and place context are consolidated for display while the original database remains unchanged. Last reviewed 2026-10-06.