1. American Role Grows
Objective: analyze why the United States became involved in the war in Vietnam

2. Domino Theory
If one country falls to communism, nearby countries will also topple
Helped shape policy in Vietnam for next 20 years
US leaders feared if Vietnam fell, rest of SE Asia would follow

4. Gulf of Tonkin
August, reports of North Vietnam patrol boats attacking American ships

5. Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Congress allowed president to “take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack…”

6. Escalation Increasing military involvement
Johnson sends more troops and began a bombing campaign against North Vietnam

7. Operation Rolling Thunder
March, 1965
Bombing raids target Ho Chi Minh Trail, bridges, docks, factories, and military bases in the north
Hoped to stop or slow flow of supplies and troops into the south
American planes dropped more bombs on North Vietnam from than they dropped on the Axis powers during WWII