1. Vietnam War

2. Location and History Vietnam was ruled by France
Ho Chi Minh communist leader wants independence
U.S. began by aiding France to prevent Communist take over
Domino Theory: idea that if Vietnam fell to communism, their closest neighbors would as well (Eisenhower)

4. Conflict Begins North Vietnam becomes communist
Things heat up under President Johnson
Gulf of Tonkin: North Vietnamese torpedo boats fired on USS Maddox.
Johnson orders an airstrike against North Vietnam and America joins the conflict
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: congress gives President Johnson power to “ take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States”
Tremendous war powers
Does not need to ask for a declaration of war

5. America’s strategy Bombing campaigns Increase military power
Not familiar with the terrain

6. The Enemy Vietcong: hit and run tactics, guerilla warfare
Rarely fought large battles
Set booby traps, sneak attacks,
Elephant vs. Tiger
Just had to avoid losing and America would eventually leave

7. Costly and Frustrating War
Communists were not asking for peace and America's commitment to the war had skyrocketed
Death toll was rising as was cost of the war
By 1967 it had become a stalemate

8. War Becomes Unpopular
As war escalated more and more people began to oppose our involvement
People began avoiding the draft
Protesting took place all over the nation
College campuses were erupting with protests that turned violent

9. A Soldiers Perspective
Believe being a solider was heroic like WWII
Some believed in stopping communism
Others just saw it as their duty
As time went on more and more questioned why they were there

10. Tet Offensive Powerful coordinated assault on Southern Vietnam
While United States actually won and the attack was not successful it is seen as a major turning point
This proved the communists had not lost the will or ability to fight
The war had no end in sight

11. The End Johnson did not seek re-election
Richard Nixon the new president began pulling troops out of Vietnam
Settled peace talks with North Vietnam and agreed to “peace with honor”
When American troops leave Vietnam North invades and takes over South Vietnam
Vietnam unites under the communist flag

12. Impact War ends in controversy Veterans did not return with honor
Some believe we never should have been there
Others say we should not have left
Veterans did not return with honor
Pentagon Papers: story released to New York times telling of lies and deceit of government during war
Increases distrust in government
War Powers Act: restricts the president’s war making powers by forcing him to get approval by congress before committing troops