Vietnam War

Location and History Vietnam was ruled by France Ho Chi Minh communist leader wants independence U.S. began by aiding France to prevent Communist take over Domino Theory: idea that if Vietnam fell to communism, their closest neighbors would as well (Eisenhower)

Conflict Begins North Vietnam becomes communist Things heat up under President Johnson Gulf of Tonkin: North Vietnamese torpedo boats fired on USS Maddox. Johnson orders an airstrike against North Vietnam and America joins the conflict Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: congress gives President Johnson power to “ take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States” Tremendous war powers Does not need to ask for a declaration of war

America’s strategy Bombing campaigns Increase military power Not familiar with the terrain

The Enemy Vietcong: hit and run tactics, guerilla warfare Rarely fought large battles Set booby traps, sneak attacks, Elephant vs. Tiger Just had to avoid losing and America would eventually leave

Costly and Frustrating War Communists were not asking for peace and America's commitment to the war had skyrocketed Death toll was rising as was cost of the war By 1967 it had become a stalemate

War Becomes Unpopular As war escalated more and more people began to oppose our involvement People began avoiding the draft Protesting took place all over the nation College campuses were erupting with protests that turned violent

A Soldiers Perspective Believe being a solider was heroic like WWII Some believed in stopping communism Others just saw it as their duty As time went on more and more questioned why they were there

Tet Offensive Powerful coordinated assault on Southern Vietnam While United States actually won and the attack was not successful it is seen as a major turning point This proved the communists had not lost the will or ability to fight The war had no end in sight

The End Johnson did not seek re-election Richard Nixon the new president began pulling troops out of Vietnam Settled peace talks with North Vietnam and agreed to “peace with honor” When American troops leave Vietnam North invades and takes over South Vietnam Vietnam unites under the communist flag

Impact War ends in controversy Veterans did not return with honor Some believe we never should have been there Others say we should not have left Veterans did not return with honor Pentagon Papers: story released to New York times telling of lies and deceit of government during war Increases distrust in government War Powers Act: restricts the president’s war making powers by forcing him to get approval by congress before committing troops