1. Chapter 26
The Vietnam War

2. Chapter 26
Lesson 1

3. Vietnam Post WWII – France goes into Vietnam to regain its old colony
U.S. Supports the French
Vietnamese want to rule themselves
Ho Chi Minh becomes the communist leader of the Vietnamese

5. America Aids the French
After Japans surrender in 1945, France moves in to regain it’s former colony
U.S. sends aid to France to stop Minh’s communist government.
Eisenhower believed that if Vietnam were to fall to communism it would lead to a domino effect.
Domino Theory – The rest of South East Asia would fall to communism if Vietnam did.
U.S. opposed to colonialism but fears the spread of communism in Vietnam

6. Defeat at Dien Bien Phu
Vietnamese use guerilla warfare to defeat the French
Vietnamese surround Dien Bien Phu and bombard the French force
Forces the French to make peace and withdraw from Vietnam
1954 – Vietnam is divided into North and South

7. 1954 Geneva Accords Divide Vietnam in to North and South
Communism – North
Democratic – South (backed by U.S.)

8. American Involvement Deepens
Ho Chi Minh organizes communist sympathizers in the south (Vietcong)
President Kennedy expands U.S. involvement in Vietnam
Troop levels jump from 2,000 to 15,000 from
South Vietnam President Ngo Dinh Diem alienates Buddhist Monks. Monks protest and are killed by police
South Generals plan a coup to overthrow Diem.
Seize control on November 1, 1963 and execute Diem (South Vietnams government weakened)
Buddhism is the predominate religion in Vietnam. Monks set themselves on fire – upsets many in the U.S.

10. American Involvement Deepens
President Kennedy assassinated – Lyndon Johnson continues Kennedy’s legacy in Vietnam
North Vietnam’s navy attacks U.S. ships in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Johnson asks Congress for approval to send additional U.S. troops. Congress approves the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

11. A Bloody Stalemate By 1966 300,000+ U.S. personnel in Vietnam
U.S. superior weapons and technology
Vietcong – blend in with the civilian population, booby traps, and guerilla warfare

13. Search and Destroy Draw the enemy out into the open
Planes drop Napalm and Agent Orange

15. The Ho Chi Minh Trail
Network of jungle paths that wind through Cambodia and Laos
Used to transport troops and equipment
North Vietnam receives support from China and Russia
Johnson feared attacking North Vietnam would bring China into the war (repeat of Korean War)

17. Chapter 26
Lesson 2