1. The Vietnam War

2. Background to the War
France controlled “Indochina” since the late 19th century
Indochina consists of Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia
Tried to regain control after WWII; Vietnamese fight a guerrilla war against reoccupation
Ho Chi Minh had been fighting for Vietnamese independence since World War I.
The U.S. gave France aid to win its support in American anticommunist efforts in Western Europe.

3. Background to the War Vietnam divided at 17th parallel
Ho Chi Minh’s nationalist forces controlled the North
Ngo Dinh Diem, “democracy” in South
France & U.S. establish the
Anti-communist government
In S.V.
*Diem ruled the south as a dictator.
Realizing he would Diem backs out of elections.

5. Early Protests of Diem’s Government
Self-Emolation by a Buddhist Monk

6. WHY did the US Support the corrupt South?
US Gov’t feels Vietnam is important to America.
Domino Theory-if SV falls to communism, other countries will quickly follow (mainly in SE Asia)
Containment-larger US policy against communism; prevent it from expanding its territory or spreading its influence

7. Gulf of Tonkin
August U.S. President Lyndon Johnson sends more troops b/c two U.S. destroyers were attacked by N. patrol boats in Gulf of Tonkin.
½ million
soldiers by 1968.

8. Who Is the Enemy? Vietcong:
Farmers by day; guerillas at night; willing to accept many casualties
American sends more troops to avoid Vietcong takeover.
The guerilla wins if he does not lose, the conventional army loses if it does not win Mao Zedong

9. Vietcong Supported by many people in both South and North Vietnam.
South supports because gov’t unpopular
U.S. has trouble fighting on unfamiliar territory.
Late 1960’s- US bombed farmland and forest (civilian targets)- U.S. protests.

10. Vietnamization 1969- U.S. begins to withdraw troops
South Vietnam increases its military role
Last U.S. forces leave in 1973
N. Vietnam overruns the South.

11. South Vietnamese Attempt to Flee the Country
The Fall of Saigon
South Vietnamese Attempt to Flee the Country

12. America Abandons Its Embassy
The Fall of Saigon
April 30, 1975
America Abandons Its Embassy

13. North Vietnamese at the Presidential Palace
The Fall of Saigon
North Vietnamese at the Presidential Palace

14. A United Vietnam
Formerly Saigon