1. Cold War in Asia
Korea and Vietnam

2. Korea Korea had been controlled by Japan during WW2
American involvement in the early 1950s reflected the policy of containment of communism
Korea had been controlled by Japan during WW2
1945—Korea was divided along the 38th parallel between Soviet- controlled north and US-controlled south

3. Korean War 1950-1953 The US led UN troops to defend the South
North Korea crossed the border and tried to invade the South
The US led UN troops to defend the South
China helped the communist North

4. The Result It remains divided at the 38th parallel
A stalemate was reached in and the DMZ (demilitarized zone) was established at the border
It remains divided at the 38th parallel
North Korea is still communist

6. Conflict in Vietnam
Prime example of containment policy
Vietnam had been a colony of France (Indochina)
Following WW2, Vietnam fought France for its independence and succeeded.
BUT, opposing forces developed in the North (communist) and South (democratic)
The US wanted to support the South

7. Vietnam The US helped the South defend against this.
Beginning in the 1950s and 1960s, the Communist North tried to force the South to install a communist government.
The US helped the South defend against this.
Kennedy Administration – American military build-up in Vietnam begins
Johnson Administration – the build-up continues (escalation)

8. Combat in Vietnam
The scale of combat in Vietnam grew throughout the 1960s. American military forces repeatedly defeated the North Vietnamese (Vietcong) but by fighting a limited war, they could not force an end to the conflict.

9. Meanwhile at Home…
Americans became bitterly divided over the issue. While there was support for the American military and conduct of the war among many, there were many others who opposed the war. Active opposition mounted, especially on college campuses.

10. “Vietnamization”
President Nixon was elected on a pledge to bring the war to an honorable end. He instituted a policy of “Vietnamization,” withdrawing troops and replacing them with Vietnamese troops while maintaining military aid to South Vietnam.
Ultimately, “Vietnamization” failed when South Vietnamese troops were unable to resist invasion by the Soviet- supplied North Vietnamese Army.
In 1975, North and South Vietnam were merged under Communist control.
Last American troops leave in 1975

12. After the war
Unlike veterans of WWII, who returned to a grateful and supportive nation, Vietnam vets returned often to face indifference or outright hostility from some who opposed the war.
Why do you think this was?
Several years after the end of Vietnam wounds of the war began to heal, and Vietnam veterans were recognized and honored for their service and sacrifices.

13. Film clips Forrest Gump Arriving in Vietnam: Fortunate Son
Forrest Gump in Vietnam
Across the Universe: Revolution