The Vietnam War Begins EQ: What was the progression of events that led to the U.S. becoming involved in Vietnam?

Background to the War France controlled Indochina since the late 19th century Japan took control during World War II Ho Chi Minh founds Vietminh political group Vietnam declares independence once Japan is defeated With U.S. aid, France attempts re-colonization after WWII Ho Chi Minh had been fighting for Vietnamese independence since World War I. The U.S. gave France aid to win its support in American anticommunist efforts in Western Europe.

First Indochina War Belief in domino theory leads to U.S. sending arms, ammunition, supplies and $ to French The French surrendered to Vietminh in 1954 at Dien Bien Phu President Eisenhower declined to aid French w/ additional soldiers Ho Chi Minh had been fighting for Vietnamese independence since World War I. The U.S. gave France aid to win its support in American anticommunist efforts in Western Europe.

Vietnam Temporarily Split International Conference at Geneva 1954 Geneva Accords: Vietnam divided at 17th parallel Ho Chi Minh’s nationalist forces controlled the North Ngo Dinh Diem, Roman Catholic claimed control of the South Reunification elections to be held in 1956 Realizing he would Diem backs out of elections.

Ngo Dinh Diem’s Troubled Leadership Diem backed out of the elections Repressive dictatorial rule by Diem Election corruption Family holds power Persecution of Buddhists Favoritism of wealthy landowners Torture and imprisonment of political opponents National Liberation Front founded – Vietcong: rebel soldiers Realizing he would lose, Diem backed out of elections.

Early Protests of Diem’s Government Self-Emolation by a Buddhist Monk

U.S. Military Involvement Begins Kennedy elected 1960 Increases military “advisors” to 9,000 by 1962 1963: JFK supports a South Vietnamese military coup d’etat – Diem and his brother are murdered Kennedy was assassinated 3 weeks later Kennedy’s advisors were clearly fighting a covert war by 1963. MacNamara has suggested that he believes Kennedy would have pulled the U.S. out, but evidence in inconclusive. JFK realizes Diem is a liability; offers quiet support to a Vietnamese military coup d’etat. The coup results in the brutal murders of Diem and his brother The Vietnamese generals overthrow one another. A relatively stable, but tyrannical government emerges. It is little better than Diem’s.

Johnson Inherits the Vietnam Problem During his presidential campaign: “We are not about to send American boys nine or ten thousand miles away from home to do what Asian boys ought to be doing for themselves.” As the war escalates: “I’m not going to be the president who saw Southeast Asia go the way China went.” What Johnson told Congress What he didn’t tell Congress: He had already written the resolution before the “incident.” The U.S. naval vessels were aiding ARVN in commando raids in North Vietnam at the time. He learned that the attack probably hadn’t occurred. The U.S. navy was not on the “high seas” but in N. Vietnam’s 12 mile territorial limit.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Johnson approves covert attacks on radar stations along Northern Coast North fires torpedoes and machine guns at U.S. destroyer Second attack? Tonkin Gulf Resolution passed by Congress (The Blank Check) What Johnson told Congress What he didn’t tell Congress: He had already written the resolution before the “incident.” The U.S. naval vessels were aiding ARVN in commando raids in North Vietnam at the time. He learned that the attack probably hadn’t occurred. The U.S. navy was not on the “high seas” but in N. Vietnam’s 12 mile territorial limit.

Essential Questions: What is Vietnam’s colonial history? What compromises were made at the Geneva conference? Why was President Diem so unpopular? How does President Kennedy and Johnson increase U.S. involvement in Vietnam?