Today’s Agenda April 6, 2015 Read & discuss section 2 of chapter 15 Take notes on section Answer questions in order to show understanding of text. “I Can Statement”: I can explain why America involved itself in the war in Vietnam

Essential Question Write in your notebook (to be answered after reading section #2) How and Why did America involve itself in Vietnam?

War in Vietnam section #2 (p )

Vietnam after WWII

American Diary p. 468 turn/talk/write Critical thinking page 469 According to President Eisenhower, why was it important for the U.S. to help South Vietnam?

American Diary p. 468 turn/talk/write Question: According to President Eisenhower, why was it important for the U.S. to help South Vietnam? Answer: The loss of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia would subject millions of people in the region to enslavement by the communist.

The U.S. and Vietnam After reading the Primary Source on page 469 answer the following question in your notebook. Based on General Maxwell Taylor’s comments, what do you predict will happen in Vietnam?

Origins of the War 1800’s – WWII France rules over Vietnam as part of French Indochina. (Laos & Cambodia) WWII Japan takes Indochina from French. U.S. supports communist leader Ho Chi Minh who is fighting the Japanese. After WWII France tries to regain Indochina but Ho Chi Minh declares its independence Vietnam fights against France & defeats them in 1954.

The Geneva Accords Vietnam is split in two along the 17 th parallel. Unifying elections to take place in 1956 North communist- Ho Chi Minh leader South anti-communist- Ngo Dinh Diem leader (supported by the U.S.) Viet Cong were pro communist group who lived in South Vietnam. Turn & Talk: Why do you think Diem refused to hold elections?

The Vietnam Conflict Timeline Answer Critical Thinking page 471 in your notebook. Why do you think the United States sent aid to France in its battle to keep Vietnam under French rule?

The Vietnam Conflict Timeline Question: Why do you think the United States sent aid to France in its battle to keep Vietnam under French rule? Answer: Probably to help prevent a Communist takeover without having to involve American Troops

The Growing American Role IKE: U.S. embrace domino theory: If one country in Asia falls to communism they all will. U.S. sends advisors & money to help S. Vietnam. JFK: Sends Green Berets (flexible response) Diem is not being affective & U.S. supports a coup (overthrow of government) Diem killed. JFK killed & Johnson takes over Vietnam issue

The Conflict Deepens Johnson wants congressional support to expand U.S. role in Vietnam Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: Attack on U. S. ship in the Gulf of Tonkin gets Congress to support LBJ. Bombing (Operation Rolling Thunder) & ground troops enter Vietnam. (1965) Escalation of forces continue throughout 1960’s By ,000 troops in Vietnam

Turn & Talk Question: Why do you feel that the U.S. depended so much on bombing during the early part of the Vietnam War? Discuss briefly

Fighting the War Viet Cong used jungle as cover during war. Search & Destroy missions: Used to root out Viet Cong & N. Vietnamese soldiers from within S. Vietnam U.S. uses chemicals to destroy jungle - Napalm: jellied gasoline that burns violently. -Agent Orange: kills plants & trees These chemicals later proved to give U.S soldiers skin diseases & cancer.

Frustration Grows Bombing of Ho Chi Minh trail was ineffective Search & Destroy missions killed thousands but enemy soldiers were quickly replaced. Written response: Look at the 2 primary sources on page 473 & describe the attitude difference between the N. Vietnamese soldier and that of the American soldier.

Essential Question Write in your notebook: How and Why did America involve itself in Vietnam?