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The Vietnam War America’s Longest War

Vietnam

Before we start…  “Nothing is more precious than independence and liberty.”  Who do you think said these quotes? Do these quotes remind you of any famous historical figures, time periods, or group of people? -Ho Chi Minh “It is better to sacrifice everything than to live in slavery!”  -Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh Leader of North Vietnam Born in 1890 After WW1 Ho wanted independence from French occupation of Vietnam. Visited the Soviet Union, Boston, NY, London and France. Decided that Communism was best for his people.

The Vietnamese Declaration of Independence In September of 1945, after WW2, Ho stood in Hanoi and declared Vietnam’s independence from France. Standing among the dignitaries were Americans and American fighter planes flew overhead during the ceremony.

America’s support is short lived… President FDR dies and Harry Truman takes office. New president Harry S. Truman moved increasingly to support the French efforts to regain control of Indochina. Believed that Ho Chi Minh was a Soviet Union “puppet” Did not want the spread of Communism. Ho reached out to the US numerous times but was basically ignored.

Checkpoint! Who did Ho Chi Minh want independence from? What do you predict is going to happen?

The Geneva Accords, 1954 The French surrender and Ho Chi Minh accepted a two year split of the country at the 17th parallel at Geneva. It called for elections to reunify the country in 1956. The United States and South Vietnam refused to participate or acknowledge the agreement.

America’s Choice, Support the South! President Dwight Eisenhower greets Ngo Dinh Diem in Washington. Backed by America Against Communism Very corrupt

Checkpoint! Leading up to war… “Everything depends on the Americans. If they want to make war for 20 years then we shall make war for 20 years. If they want to make peace, we shall make peace and invite them to tea afterwards.”  What do these quotes tell you about Ho Chi Minh and what he stood for? -Ho Chi Minh “It was patriotism, not communism, that inspired me.”  -Ho Chi Minh

Gulf of Tonkin Crisis

Escalation, March 1965 After attacks on U.S. bases, President Johnson approved the landing of a large contingent of in 1965. During the period, 1965-1967, the number of U.S. troops in Vietnam increased from 100,000 to nearly 500,000.

The Viet Cong

Ho Chi Minh and War Ho Chi Minh- “You will kill 10 of our men, and we will kill 1 of yours, and in the end it will be you who tire of it.” “it will be a war between an elephant and a tiger. But the tiger will not stand still.. . . He will leap upon the back of the elephant, tearing huge chunks from his side, and then he will leap back into the dark jungle. And slowly the elephant will bleed to death. That will be the war of Vietnam.”

The Ho Chi Minh Trail

The Ground War

War from Above “Carpet bombing”- to systematically bomb (a large target area) so as to completely destroy it

Checkpoint! What was the Ho Chi Minh Trail? What event “sparked” the Vietnam War? Identify an advantage the North had over the US. Identify one advantage/ disadvantage the US faced.

Turning Point: The Tet Offensive Tet- The Vietnamese New Year. Traditionally a time of “truce” Infiltrated the south by moving supplies and undercover troops through the Ho Chi Minh Trail Although the US won, their morale was weakened. US citizens were being told by the Gov’t that they were winning the war. Media coverage at home resulted in mass protests.

Meanwhile, back at home… The Antiwar Movement The antiwar movement drew people from many walks of life and from across the nation.

Vietnamization President Nixon wins the 1968 election on the promise to bring troops home from Vietnam immediately. He calls this “Vietnamization” Nixon guaranteed “peace with honor”

The Paris Peace Accords, 1973 In January 1973, North Vietnamese and American negotiators reached an agreement after long talks in Paris. The Paris Accords called for a short cease fire to allow for the final removal of U.S. forces and the return of American POWs While announced as a peace agreement, it really only related to the United States being able to remove itself from the fighting.

The Fall of Saigon, 1975

RECAP! For your Exit Ticket… In an Email or Portal Message please choose 3 events from the left and explain each of them in your own words and in complete sentences. Ho Chi Minh declares independence US supports South Vietnam and places Diem in control Gulf of Tonkin Incident Escalation of war Tet Offensive Anti-War Protests Nixon elected Vietnamization/withdrawal Paris Peace Accords Fall of Saigon