The Vietnam war

Important Terms/People Ho Chi Minh Domino Theory decolonization communism SEATO Vietcong Vietminh Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Vietnam war (Background) Presidents Kennedy and Johnson shared a vision for a better America and bounce back from the Cold War and the struggle against communism. As a result, America established a new line of defense against communism in Vietnam. Vietnam War was one of the costliest in American history. America became involved through European colonialism, Cold War politics, and Vietnamese calls for national independence. The French ruled Vietnam in a very tight-fisted manner and transplanted French laws and high taxes; so many Vietnamese began to rebel.

Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969) Most important voice demanding Vietnam’s independence from France. Embraced communism and garnered support from others in pursuit of independence. North Vietnamese leader who had lead the resistance against the Japanese during WW II and at the end of the war had led the uprising against the French Colonial government. He had traveled in Europe, was an ardent Communist, and became President of the North Vietnamese government established after the French withdrawal. Often called the George Washington of North Vietnam.

How America Got involved… America supported decolonization of Vietnam; however, we wanted France as an ally when we tried to contain the Soviet Union (Cold War). President Truman believed if he supported Vietnamese independence, he would weaken anti-communist forces in France. To ensure French support in the Cold War, Truman agreed to help France gain control over Vietnam. Pres. Einsenhower continued Truman’s vision after Truman left office. Domino Theory—If Vietnam fell to communism, its closest neighbors would follow, threatening Japan, the Philippines, and Austrailia. France lost the battle of communism against Vietnam. As a result, France granted independence to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia; Vietnam was split (North/South).

America opposes communism in Vietnam During the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, France appealed to the United States for military support. We wouldn’t send troops, just money. America supported the new anticommunist government of South Vietnam and created SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization), which contained the spread of communism. The US provided money and military to South Vietnam because of the opposition to anticommunism. Vietcong—guerilla fighters who killed government officials and destroyed bridges and roads. South Vietnam was losing the battle against North Vietnam; therefore, US (Pres. Kennedy) sent troops to assist.

The Gulf of Tonkin resolution After Pres. Kennedy’s assassination, Pres. Johnson continued to support South Vietnam. North Vietnam fired on America’s USS Maddox (which patrolled the Gulf of Tonkin) but wasn’t successful; however, we sent an airstrike against North Vietnam. Pres. Johnson/Congress authorized the use of force to defend American troops and passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which gave the President the power to take all necessary measures to prevent further aggression from North Vietnam. This gave President Johnson free reign to enter America into a full fledged war. America felt the need to make its presence known.

The Vietnam war ends… 1963-------------10,000 American troops were in South Vietnam. 1964-------------20,000 American troops were in South Vietnam. 1965-------------180,000 American troops were in South Vietnam. 1966-1967------500,000 American troops were in South Vietnam. Although America won many battles, they did not win the war. America became separated, discouraged, and financially strapped. Tet Offensive—named after the Vietnamese lunar new year—was a coordinated assault on 36 capitals and 5 major cities…including the US embassy in Saigon. This was also a victory (Peace became the US’ official government policy.) and defeat (Pres. Johnson would not run for a 2nd term as president) for the US. Pres. Nixon uses the Vietnamization approach, which was a gradual withdrawal from Vietnam.

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) An area that both militaries are required to stay out of in order to create a buffer between nations. In Vietnam, a five mile wide DMZ was established between the North and South along the 17th parallel.

Bombing of Laos and Cambodia March, 1969 - U.S. bombed North Vietnamese positions in Cambodia and Laos. Technically illegal because Cambodia and Laos were neutral, but done because North Vietnam was itself illegally moving its troops through those areas. Not learned of by the American public until July, 1973.

Vietnamization The effort to build up South Vietnamese troops while withdrawing American troops, it was an attempt to turn the war over to the Vietnamese.