The Vietnam War Years (1954-1975) In this chapter you will learn about the causes and impact of the war in Vietnam

Learning Goals Objectives Essential Question Explain why the U.S. became involved in the conflict. Describe how the Vietnam war ended. Identify the war’s lasting effects on the u.s. What were the military and political events of the Vietnam war and how did this conflict impact life in the U.S.?

Moving Toward Conflict Ho Chi Minh Leader of communist north Vietnam. Domino theory If a nation falls under communist control, nearby nations will also fall become communist. Vietcong South Vietnamese communists who fought against the government of south Vietnam. Ho chi minh trail Paths used by N.V. to transport supplies to the Vietcong. Tonkin gulf resolution After an attack on u.s. naval ship, president Johnson asked to use all necessary measures to prevent further aggression.

u.s. involvement & escalation 1964 Campaign: “I will not send American boys 9 or 10,000 miles away to do what Asian boys ought to be doing” After winning election Johnson immediately sends troops. Chemical warfare Napalm: gasoline-based bomb set the jungle on fire. Agent Orange: Leaf-killing toxic chemical. Search & Destroy Uproot civilians, kill livestock, burn villages, and wait for an ambush. Credibility Gap Johnson telling U.S. war is going great, but news coverage just shows lots of dead Americans.

A nation divided Draft Dove Hawk Tet offensive 1 year tour of duty in Vietnam. 80% were lower income whites & minorities. Dove Withdraw from Vietnam immediately. Hawk More military force needs to be sent to Vietnam. Tet offensive Massive Surprise attack by the Vietcong on south Vietnamese towns and cities. Turning point of the war. Robert Kennedy Assassination Running for president in 1968 to pull troops out of Vietnam.

End & Legacy of the War Vietnamization My Lai Kent state university Gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops & replaced by South Vietnamese troops. My Lai American platoon massacres 200 innocent women, children, and elderly. 1 officer convicted & imprisoned. Kent state university Students burnt down rotc building & national guard troops fired into group of unarmed students. Pentagon papers Showed side of Vietnam war that had been hidden from the public. War powers act President can send troops for 60 days without congress.