Review Questions What did the U.S. and Soviets do in Germany? What did the U.S. and Soviets do in Korea? What do you think will happen in Vietnam?

Indochina was a French Colony – until 1955 Indochina was a French Colony – until 1955. France influenced culture, language, and religion in the region. When they were defeated in Dien Bien Phu they lost control of Indochina Geneva Convention/Accords – Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia received their independence. And Vietnam was split into Communist North and Democratic South. They agreed that in two years they would have a national elections to determine what kind of government the country would have.

Ho Chi Minh Vietnamese communist revolutionary. Fought against the Japanese and the French for independence of Vietnam. President of North Vietnam—supported by PRC & USSR

Ngo Dinh Diem – President of South Vietnam Corrupt dictator Supported by U.S. He imposed strict Catholic values to the country.

Buddhist Monks immolated (burned themselves) in protest of Anti-Buddhist policies of Ngo Dinh Diem in South Vietnam

Help from the USA John F. Kennedy sends “military advisors” to help prevent the spread of Communism in Vietnam. 500 to 1600 Ngo was overthrown/assassinated with the support of the U.S.

Domino Theory – if one country falls then another one will

Lyndon Johnson Gulf of Tonkin incident – attack on USS Maddox by the N. Vietnamese 2nd attack on the US ships ??? No bodies or wreckage was found

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Gave powers to the president to send military aide to Vietnam without the consent of Congress. Initial 3,500 increased to 20,000 soldiers deployed

Vietcong Vietcong South Vietnamese who supported the communist government in the North They fought the American troops in South Vietnam

Vietcong Advantages:

My Lai Massacre – US cover up of the military massacre of civilians mostly women, children, and elderly.

What is the terrain (environment) like?

What is the terrain (environment) like?

Helicopters

Burn the terrain to reveal and prevent possible hidden areas for the enemy. Napalm Agent Orange

Children running away from their village that was attacked by an aerial strike.

Agent Orange

Tet Offensive – North Vietnamese offensive attack on the Lunar New Year celebration. Over 100 cities were attacked at the same time. 40,000-72,000 Out of 80,000

Media Reporting

Richard Nixon Promised “Peace with Honor”

Secret War & Vietnamization “Secret War” – Laos & Cambodia Vietnamization – gave more responsibility to the South Vietnamese Army

Vietnamization

Paris Peace Accords 1973, Nixon’s Administration announced the suspension of offensive action against North Vietnam

Fall of Saigon 1975 –South Vietnam was invaded and defeated by the North.

Operation Babylift

The Impact 26th Amendment: 18-year-olds vote Nixon abolished the draft  all-volunteer army War Powers Act, 1973 ٭ President must notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying military force President must withdraw forces unless he gains Congressional approval within 90 days Disregard for Veterans  seen as “baby killers” POW/MIA issue lingered PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder War Powers Act., 1973, passed over Nixon's veto, requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of his use of military force in a foreign country or enlarging an ongoing conflict. The President must secure Congressional approval if he intends to keep these troops overseas for more than 60 days. If he doesn't, he must withdraw the forces. Congress can pass a joint resolution to withdraw the troops before the 60 day deadline. (Each President since has denied its validity, though the issue has never been tested.) No welcome home (shamed and ashamed), high unemployment, alcohol & drug abuse; poor care of disabled vets: underfunded vets hospitals, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Agent Orange health problems, birth defects in vets’ children.

Communist Victory; Civil War; OA Korean War Vietnam War B C A Possible examples: Jungles; Divided nations; War is not over; U.S. backed a dictator; Communist Victory; Civil War;