The Cold War: Domino Theory and Containment Korea and Vietnam

The Domino Theory: Asia 1949: Communists take over China. Most populated country in the world had gone Communist. Led by Mao Zedong

Korea After WWII Korea was divided at the 38 th Parallel. North – Russian controlled South – US Controlled 1948 – occupying forces withdrew.

Korean War Both sides wanted reunification – but under whose rule? 1950 – North Korea army poured across 38 th Parallel to force reunification.

Korean War: UN Military Action 16 nations – including the US – came to defend South Korea from North Korea. 80% of troops were American.

Waging the Korean War General Douglas MacArthur led the offense against North Korea Backed by Soviet and Chinese weapons and soldiers.

MacArthur goes too far To push the North Koreans back behind the 38 th Parallel, destroy the Communists in North Korea, or attack China? MacArthur wanted the second front in China.

MacArthur Goes too Far President Truman said NO to invading China. MacArthur tried to go behind the Commander in Chief’s back (Truman) and get Congressional support. Truman FIRED MacArthur for insubordination

Korean War Truman spent his presidency keeping the war contained to Korea. President Eisenhower used the threat of a nuclear attack to get the North Koreans to return behind the 38 th Parallel.

Effects of the Korean War 34,000 Americans dead in three years (1950 – 1953) Containment had worked But North Korea was and still is Communist.

The 38 th Parallel in 2013 Most US troops are stationed in the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) at the 38 th parallel. Kim Jong-un is the current leader of North Korea. Has nuclear bombs and is preparing for long- range launching.

The Domino Theory: Vietnam years Vietnam has resisted being absorbed into China. 1800s Vietnam became a colony for France. WWII: Fought for independence from Japan

Ho Chi Minh Communist Vietnamese. Fought for independence before, during and after WII. Leader of a group called the VIETMINH. Defeated the French in 1954.

1954 Peace Treaty over Vietnam Divided Vietnam. North Vietnam – Communist under Ho Chi Minh South Vietnam – Supposed to be capitalist and democratic.

The Communist Advances in Vietnam VietCong Communist guerrillas in South Vietnam Gained more control of territory More popular with the people. Aided by Ho Chi Minh

Johnson Commits to Containment American Advantages Superior arms and supplies VietCong Advantages Familiar with the terrain of jungles and swamps Found protection across the border in Laos and Cambodia Local population support

Conditions of Viet Nam Many South Vietnamese did not welcome US help. Keeping an unpopular government in place. US troops couldn ’ t tell who was the enemy.

The Ground War in Vietnam VietCong used guerrilla war tactics. The Tunnel System used by the VietCong Booby traps, land mines, grenades, trip wires

The Air War in Vietnam Agent Orange Herbicide meant to deforest the jungle and show VietCong hiding spots. Killed crops, livestock and health effects for humans

The Air War in Vietnam Napalm Jellylike substance that splattered and burned uncontrollably.

Massacre at My Lai America atrocity in Vietnam Rumors that the VietCong were being hidden in the village of My Lai US troops killed 400 Vietnamese

Political Divisions in Vietnam: Student Led Protests SDS: Students for a Democratic Society Free Speech Movement The Teach-In Movement Draft Resistence

Draft Resistance or Draft Dodger Draft for those from 18 – 26. CO: Conscientious Objector Other methods to be found “ unsuitable ” for military service Deferment: College

Election of 1968 Republicans – Richard M. Nixon American Independents – George Wallace Democrats - ?????

The Democratic Convention Robert Kennedy assassinated Eugene McCarthy Thought too far left Vice President Hubert Humphrey Defended Johnson ’ s policies Humphrey won

Nixon ’ s Vietnam Policy Nixon beat Humphrey in the presidential election of Promised a “secret” plan to end the war if elected. Pulled back on bombing of North Vietnam and peace talks in Paris – only 24,000 troops remained in South Vietnam

Kent State and Jackson State Kent State, Ohio 1970 Anti-War Protestors vandalized buildings and burned down an ROTC building Governor ordered National Guard out to restore order

Kent State Someone (National Guard?) fired on the protestors. 4 dead Jackson State, Mississippi left 2 dead and 11 injured.

Deep Divisions Attacks horrified Americans. But some favored the president. 100,000 construction workers marched in NYC in support of President Nixon

1973 Paris Peace Agreement ending US involvement in Vietnam 1. US would withdraw all forces from South Vietnam in 60 days All prisoners of war would be released N. Vietnam and US would end end activities in Laos and Cambodia 17 th Parallel would continue to divide Vietnam in two.

Aftermath of the War War continued for two more years after US withdrawal. April 29, 1975 US evacuates last remaining Americans. oQDkhbYw oQDkhbYw 1,000 Americans 6,000 Vietnamese April 30 – Communists take over.

Communist Domino Effect Vietnam fell to the Communists Laos fell Cambodia fell Atrocities were committed by the Communists

Legacy of Vietnam: 58,000 Americans dead 300,000 wounded 2,500 POWS (Prisoners of War) and MIAs (Missing in Action) No “ welcome home ” parades or treatment as heroes.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial 1982: Created by Maya Lin.