The Vietnam War
Who’s war is it?
Who is in control of Vietnam? 1800 to WWII: French WWII: Japan After WWII: Back to French or Independent? French troops back Ho Chi Minh wants communism 1953 Eisenhower sends support to help French beat Commies (3/4 of cost paid by USA)
Vietnamese Civil War Ngo Dinh Diem Anti-Communist Pro-West, Catholic Ho Chi Minh Influenced by Communists in China and USSR Wants a united Vietnam Army=Vietcong (VC) Ngo Dinh Diem Anti-Communist Pro-West, Catholic
Build Up to a larger war 1960: Kennedy elected Increases troops Diem’s (S. Vietnam) gov’t was corrupt Many people in S. Vietnam upset with gov’t leads to huge protests Discrimination against Buddhists
US Cold War Policy Our P.O.V. USA and W. Europe=GOOD=Free=Democracy USSR and Commies=BAD=Not free=Dictatorship Containment: Don’t let communism spread beyond where it already is Domino Theory: If Vietnam falls to communism, then Thailand, then India, etc (slippery slope to world domination)
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Congress gives LBJ authority to “take all necessary measures to repeal any armed attack against the United States.” No Declaration of War (Art I, Sec 6.11)
“Americanization” of War Operation Rolling Thunder US takes the offensive by escalating troops and military actions
“I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBksHaTQCbU
Agent Orange
The Elusive Enemy Vietcong and Vietminh use surprise/sneak attacks Only engage when they know victory is assured US technological advantage not obvious
Vietcong tunnels http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azxnc1nDkos
Discontent in America Lower morale on war front due to stalemate Doves and Hawks argue back home War was draining US resources; LBJ struggles to get his social programs initiated
Students Protest Nationwide
Tet Offensive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDy0Z3HSkTE&feature=player_embedded#at=135
Johnson doesn’t run for re-election