The Origins of The War in Vietnam JFK’s Inheritance Observers and Advisors New War, New Tactics Diem and the Buddhist Revolt-1963 Lyndon’s War Now Gulf of Tonkin Resolution- 1964

S.E. Asia

Why JFK did what he did…

The Belief that Vietnam was the victim of Communist Aggression

Why JFK did what he did… Vietnam was victim of Communist Aggression Belief in monolithic Communism

Why JFK did what he did… Vietnam was victim of Communist Aggression Belief in monolithic Communism Belief in the Domino Theory

Why JFK did what he did… Vietnam was victim of Communist Aggression Belief in monolithic Communism Belief in the Domino Theory Need for show of force to stop aggression

Why JFK did what he did… Vietnam was victim of Communist Aggression Belief in monolithic Communism Belief in the Domino Theory Need for show of force to stop aggression Bay of Pigs and Berlin Crisis

The Green Berets

Escalation under JFK Fall ,000 advisors

Escalation under JFK Fall ,000 advisors Fall ,000 “

Escalation under JFK Fall ,000 advisors Fall ,000 “ Fall ,000 “

Escalation under JFK Fall ,000 advisors Fall ,000 “ Fall ,000 “ And in 1963, 489 Americans were killed in Vietnam…..

New Methods of Warfare The use of Napalm

New Methods of Warfare The use of Napalm Chemical defoliants (Agent Orange)

New Methods of Warfare The use of Napalm Chemical defoliants (Agent Orange) Strategic Hamlet Program (forced relocation)

South Vietnam President Ngo Diem

Buddhist Self-Immolation

New President: LBJ

Gulf of Tonkin Incident- 1964

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: Gave President authority to “ Takke all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression”

Gulf of Tonkin Incident Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: Gave President authority to “ Takke all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression” Gave LBJ “blank check” to escalate the War in S.E. Asia!