1. Knights Charge 5/5 What was LBJ’s domestic plan called?
What did he want to accomplish as President?
What was significant about the Warren Court?
In what ways were JFK, FDR, and LBJ similar? How were the different?

2. The Vietnam War

3. Origins of the War
In the 1800’s France had controlled most of Southeast Asia and Indochina
Through the 1900’s, the French battled against Vietnamese Nationalism and Communism led by Ho Chi Minh
Vietnamese defeated the French at Dien Bien Phu on May 7, 1954
North Vietnam became Communist and South Vietnam Non-Communist

5. America Opposes Communism in Vietnam
Domino Theory- idea that if Vietnam fell to communism all surrounding countries would too
Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) formed by US aided South Vietnam led by Ngo Dinh Diem
Goal was to contain communism
Diem was eventually overthrown and assassinated
Vietcong- South Vietnamese fighters who opposed Diem and the US

7. America Sends Troops
Kennedy sends first troops to Vietnam to fight Vietcong and Ho Chi Minh
After JFK’s death, LBJ increases number of American soldiers in Vietnam
On August , US passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution- Authorized President to take all necessary measures to repel any attack against the US
Gave Johnson increased war powers and commit more troops

8. America’s Strategy in Vietnam
Led by Secretary of State Robert McNamara and General William Westmoreland
Operation Rolling Thunder- Drop tons of bombs and Napalm
“Americanize the War”- US must increase military presence and send more troops

9. American Support Declines
Hawks- Those who supported American involvement in Vietnam
Doves- Those who were opposed to the Vietnam war
As the war raged on, American public opinion and morale declined

10. Anti-War Sentiment
Kent State shooting- protestors at Kent State University were shot and 4 were killed
Ma Lai Massacre- US troops killed 500 Vietnamese civilians
Pentagon Papers- Revealed government wasn’t truthful in what was happening in Vietnam

11. Turning Point and End of the War
Tet Offensive- large assault led by Vietcong against the US and ARVN
Tactical victory for US
Very costly for US
Showed that the end of the war was not in sight

12. Johnson’s Downfall
Due to the failure of ending Vietnam and public disapproval of Vietnam, Johnson decided not to seek re-election in 1968

18. End of the War
Paris Peace Accords- North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and US agree to cease fire and withdrawal of US troops
Nixon wanted “Vietnamization”- US withdrawal and ARVN continue fight
Wanted to surrender with honor
When US left, North Vietnamese attacked and took South Vietnam capital Saigon
War Powers Act- restricted President’s War making power

19. Knights Charge 5/6 Why did the US get involved in Vietnam?
Who were on each side of the conflict?
Who led the communist regime in North Vietnam?
What was the American strategy known as?
What were those who opposed Vietnam known as? Those who supported it?