The Vietnam War:The Vietnam War:

Chapter 22Chapter 22

Timeline: What’s Happening?Timeline: What’s Happening?

United States:United States: 1965 – first major US 1965 – first major US

combat units arrive in combat units arrive in VietnamVietnam

1968 – RFK and MLK are 1968 – RFK and MLK are assassinatedassassinated

1970 – Kent State 1970 – Kent State MassacreMassacre

1973 – US signs cease-1973 – US signs cease-fire with North Vietnam fire with North Vietnam and Vietcongand Vietcong

WorldWorld:: 1966 – Mao Zedong 1966 – Mao Zedong

begins cultural revolution begins cultural revolution in Chinain China

1975 – Communists 1975 – Communists capture Saigon and capture Saigon and South Vietnamese South Vietnamese surrendersurrender

SECTION 1 Moving Toward SECTION 1 Moving Toward Conflict Conflict

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

1.1. Summarize Vietnam's history as a Summarize Vietnam's history as a French colony and its struggle for French colony and its struggle for independence. independence.

2.2. Examine how the United States became Examine how the United States became involved in the Vietnam conflict. involved in the Vietnam conflict.

3.3. Describe the expansion of U.S. military Describe the expansion of U.S. military involvement under President Johnson. involvement under President Johnson.

Section One: Moving Toward Section One: Moving Toward ConflictConflict

Main IdeaMain Idea: To stop the : To stop the spread of communism in spread of communism in Southeast Asia, the Southeast Asia, the Untied States used its Untied States used its military to support South military to support South Vietnam.Vietnam.

Why it Matters NowWhy it Matters Now: The : The United States support role in United States support role in Vietnam began what would Vietnam began what would become America’s longest become America’s longest and most controversial war in and most controversial war in its history.its history.

Key Terms:Key Terms: Ho Chi MinhHo Chi Minh VietminhVietminh Domino TheoryDomino Theory Dien Bien PhuDien Bien Phu Geneva AccordsGeneva Accords

Key Terms:Key Terms: Ngo Dinh DiemNgo Dinh Diem VietcongVietcong Ho Chi Minh TrailHo Chi Minh Trail Tonkin Gulf ResolutionTonkin Gulf Resolution

French Rule in Vietnam:French Rule in Vietnam:

Since the late 1800’s, the Since the late 1800’s, the French ruled Vietnam, French ruled Vietnam, Laos, and CambodiaLaos, and Cambodia

After WWII, France tried After WWII, France tried to regain control of these to regain control of these territoriesterritories

USA supported France USA supported France with over 1 billion with over 1 billion dollars…and military dollars…and military support (fear of support (fear of communism)communism)

French Rule in VietnamFrench Rule in Vietnam The Vietnamese fled to The Vietnamese fled to

China to escape the China to escape the harsh French ruleharsh French rule

A communist party was A communist party was formed underneath formed underneath Ho Ho Chi MinhChi Minh

In 1940, the Japanese In 1940, the Japanese took over Vietnamtook over Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh formed the Ho Chi Minh formed the VietminhVietminh – goal was to – goal was to gain independence from gain independence from all foreign ruleall foreign rule

French Rule in Vietnam:French Rule in Vietnam: In 1950, the US sent $15 In 1950, the US sent $15

million in aid to the French to million in aid to the French to help them defeat the Vietminhhelp them defeat the Vietminh

The French eventually The French eventually surrendered at surrendered at Dien Bien Phu Dien Bien Phu – French outpost– French outpost

France, Great Britain, Soviet France, Great Britain, Soviet Union, USA, China, Laos, and Union, USA, China, Laos, and Cambodia all met with the Cambodia all met with the Vietminh to set up a peace Vietminh to set up a peace plan – plan – Geneva AccordsGeneva Accords

This peace plan divided This peace plan divided Vietnam into:Vietnam into:

North Vietnam – CommunistNorth Vietnam – Communist South Vietnam – Anti-South Vietnam – Anti-

communistcommunist

The United States Steps In:The United States Steps In: After the French defeat, the After the French defeat, the

United States took a more United States took a more active role in halting the active role in halting the spread of communismspread of communism

Ho Chi MinhHo Chi Minh became a became a national hero despite his tough national hero despite his tough leadershipleadership

South Vietnam’s president – South Vietnam’s president – Ngo Dinh DiemNgo Dinh Diem refused to take refused to take part in a countrywide election part in a countrywide election (he would lose)(he would lose)

The USA (Eisenhower) The USA (Eisenhower) promised Diem aid and promised Diem aid and training to build a strong training to build a strong government in South Vietnamgovernment in South Vietnam

The US Steps In:The US Steps In: Diem didn’t use the funds as Diem didn’t use the funds as

he should and angered many he should and angered many A strong communist group A strong communist group

called the called the VietcongVietcong had begun had begun attacks on Diem’s government attacks on Diem’s government – assassinated thousands of – assassinated thousands of South Vietnamese government South Vietnamese government officials.officials.

Ho Chi Minh supported the Ho Chi Minh supported the group with weapons and group with weapons and moneymoney

He sent supplies via the He sent supplies via the Ho Ho Chi Minh TrailChi Minh Trail

Kennedy and Vietnam:Kennedy and Vietnam: Kennedy initially sent Diem more Kennedy initially sent Diem more

supplies, money, and military supplies, money, and military advisorsadvisors

By the end of 1963, 16,000 US By the end of 1963, 16,000 US military personnel were in South military personnel were in South VietnamVietnam

Diem started to move Vietnamese Diem started to move Vietnamese families into safer areas (which families into safer areas (which they resented)they resented)

Diem also attacked Buddhists (he Diem also attacked Buddhists (he was Catholic)was Catholic)

He burned temples, and killed He burned temples, and killed hundreds of Buddhist clerics hundreds of Buddhist clerics (some protested)(some protested)

Against Kennedy’s wishes Diem Against Kennedy’s wishes Diem was assassinated (USA was assassinated (USA government coup in S. Vietnam)government coup in S. Vietnam)

President Johnson Expands the President Johnson Expands the Conflict:Conflict:

KennedyKennedy wanted out of wanted out of Vietnam – he was Vietnam – he was assassinated though, so assassinated though, so JohnsonJohnson takes over takes over

Johnson will escalate Johnson will escalate America’s role in VietnamAmerica’s role in Vietnam

South Vietnam grew even South Vietnam grew even more unstable after Diem was more unstable after Diem was assassinatedassassinated

Still, he and the America public Still, he and the America public feared communism – feared communism – Domino Domino Theory – Theory – once one country once one country becomes communist, they will becomes communist, they will ALL become communistALL become communist

Tonkin Gulf Resolution:Tonkin Gulf Resolution: In 1965, eight Americans In 1965, eight Americans

were killed in an attack by were killed in an attack by the Vietcongthe Vietcong

In response, In response, Operation Operation Rolling ThunderRolling Thunder became became the first sustained the first sustained bombing of North bombing of North VietnamVietnam

Within 4 months more Within 4 months more than 50,000 US soldiers than 50,000 US soldiers were battling the were battling the Vietcong.Vietcong.

The Tonkin Gulf Resolution:The Tonkin Gulf Resolution: In 1964, a North Vietnam In 1964, a North Vietnam

torpedo was fired at an torpedo was fired at an American ship ( USS Maddox)American ship ( USS Maddox)

The torpedo missed, and the The torpedo missed, and the Maddox opened fire on the Maddox opened fire on the patrol boatpatrol boat

Two days later, the American Two days later, the American ships reported enemy fire and ships reported enemy fire and opened fire on enemy ships opened fire on enemy ships (later it was found that there (later it was found that there was no enemy fire)was no enemy fire)

Johnson decided then to start Johnson decided then to start dropping bombs on North dropping bombs on North VietnamVietnam

The The Tonkin Gulf ResolutionTonkin Gulf Resolution granted Johnson broad military granted Johnson broad military powers in Vietnampowers in Vietnam

Discussion Questions:Discussion Questions:

1. How were France and the USA involved 1. How were France and the USA involved with Vietnam even before the war began?with Vietnam even before the war began?

2. Why did South Vietnam become 2. Why did South Vietnam become increasingly unstable?increasingly unstable?

3. Do you agree with President Johnson’s 3. Do you agree with President Johnson’s response to the Vietcong attack on the response to the Vietcong attack on the eight Americans?eight Americans?

SECTION 2SECTION 2 U.S. Involvement and U.S. Involvement and Escalation Escalation

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

1.1. Explain the reasons for the escalation of Explain the reasons for the escalation of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

2.2. Describe the military tactics and Describe the military tactics and weapons used by U.S. forces and the weapons used by U.S. forces and the Vietcong. Vietcong.

3.3. Explain the impact of the war on Explain the impact of the war on American society. American society.

Section Two: U.S. Involvement and Section Two: U.S. Involvement and Escalation:Escalation:

Main IdeaMain Idea: The United : The United States sent troops to fight States sent troops to fight in Vietnam, but the war in Vietnam, but the war quickly turned into a quickly turned into a stalemate.stalemate.

Why it Matters NowWhy it Matters Now: Since : Since Vietnam, Americans are Vietnam, Americans are more aware of the positive more aware of the positive and negative effects of using and negative effects of using US troops in foreign conflicts.US troops in foreign conflicts.

Key Terms:Key Terms: Robert McNamaraRobert McNamara Dean RuskDean Rusk William WestmorelandWilliam Westmoreland Army of the Republic of Army of the Republic of

VietnamVietnam

Key Terms:Key Terms: NapalmNapalm Agent OrangeAgent Orange Search and destroy missionsSearch and destroy missions Credibility gapCredibility gap

Johnson Increases US Johnson Increases US Involvement:Involvement:

At this time, the At this time, the American public American public supported Johnson’s supported Johnson’s determination to determination to contain communism contain communism in Vietnamin Vietnam

He would later send He would later send large numbers of large numbers of troops to fight troops to fight alongside the South alongside the South Vietnamese.Vietnamese.

Strong Support For Containment:Strong Support For Containment:

Johnson was initially opposed to Johnson was initially opposed to sending ground troops into sending ground troops into VietnamVietnam

““I am not about to send American I am not about to send American boys 9 or 10,000 miles away from boys 9 or 10,000 miles away from home to do what Asian boys ought home to do what Asian boys ought to be doing for themselves.”to be doing for themselves.”

Soon after (March 1965), he Soon after (March 1965), he began sending tens of thousands began sending tens of thousands of troops to fight in Vietnamof troops to fight in Vietnam

His close advisors (His close advisors (Robert Robert McNamara, Dean RuskMcNamara, Dean Rusk) pushed ) pushed him towards thishim towards this

In 1965, 61% of Americans In 1965, 61% of Americans supported the war, while 24% supported the war, while 24% opposed itopposed it

The Troop Buildup Accelerates:The Troop Buildup Accelerates: By the end of 1965, the US By the end of 1965, the US

government had sent more government had sent more than 180,000 Americans to than 180,000 Americans to VietnamVietnam

American commander in S. American commander in S. Vietnam – Vietnam – William William WestmorelandWestmoreland (served in WII (served in WII and Korea), continued to and Korea), continued to request more troopsrequest more troops

Westmoreland was not Westmoreland was not impressed with the S. impressed with the S. Vietnamese soldiers (Army Vietnamese soldiers (Army Republic of Vietnam)Republic of Vietnam)

By 1967, 500,000 US troops By 1967, 500,000 US troops were in Vietnamwere in Vietnam

Fighting in The Jungle:Fighting in The Jungle:

US believed its US believed its superior weaponry superior weaponry would lead to victory would lead to victory over the Vietcongover the Vietcong

VietcongVietcong used hit and used hit and run tactics because of run tactics because of their lack of high their lack of high powered weaponrypowered weaponry

The also had key The also had key knowledge of the knowledge of the jungle terrainjungle terrain

An Elusive Enemy:An Elusive Enemy: The The VietcongVietcong lived lived

amongst the people, so it amongst the people, so it was hard to tell who was was hard to tell who was friend or foefriend or foe

The Vietcong also had The Vietcong also had elaborate networks of elaborate networks of tunnelstunnels

These tunnels could These tunnels could withstand airstrikes, help withstand airstrikes, help them launch surprise them launch surprise attacks and then attacks and then disappear.disappear.

An Elusive Enemy (cont)An Elusive Enemy (cont)

The tunnels were The tunnels were burrowed deep and often burrowed deep and often connected villagesconnected villages

““The more the Americans The more the Americans tried to drive us away tried to drive us away from our land, the more from our land, the more we burrowed into it.” – we burrowed into it.” – Leader of the VietcongLeader of the Vietcong

The terrain was laced The terrain was laced with booby traps and land with booby traps and land mines from both sidesmines from both sides

A Frustrating War of Attrition:A Frustrating War of Attrition: Westmoreland’s strategy Westmoreland’s strategy

was was attritionattrition – destroy – destroy their morale and wear their morale and wear them downthem down

He also introduced the He also introduced the idea of a “idea of a “body countbody count” to ” to encourage his men and encourage his men and discourage the enemydiscourage the enemy

The US viewed Vietnam The US viewed Vietnam as a military struggle – as a military struggle – the Vietcong viewed the Vietcong viewed Vietnam as a battle for Vietnam as a battle for there very existencethere very existence

Discussion:Discussion:

1. In what ways do you think the 1. In what ways do you think the Vietcong’s attitude helped them to fight the Vietcong’s attitude helped them to fight the US soldiers?US soldiers?

2. What are your thoughts on 2. What are your thoughts on Westmoreland’s war of attrition and the Westmoreland’s war of attrition and the body count? (Morale)body count? (Morale)

The Battle for “Hearts and Minds”The Battle for “Hearts and Minds”

American forces tried to American forces tried to win over the S. win over the S. Vietnamese so that they Vietnamese so that they wouldn’t join the Vietcongwouldn’t join the Vietcong

US planes dropped US planes dropped NapalmNapalm – gas bombs – – gas bombs – to set fire to the jungleto set fire to the jungle

They also sprayed They also sprayed agent agent orangeorange – a leaf killing – a leaf killing toxic chemical toxic chemical (cancerous)(cancerous)

These weapons left These weapons left villages and innocent villages and innocent civilians devastatedcivilians devastated

Devastating Missions:Devastating Missions:

US soldiers conducted US soldiers conducted search and destroy search and destroy missionsmissions – killing – killing suspected Vietcong suspected Vietcong members, their livestock, members, their livestock, and burning their villagesand burning their villages

Many villagers fled to Many villagers fled to refugee camps (over 3 refugee camps (over 3 million people) in S. million people) in S. VietnamVietnam

Sinking MoraleSinking Morale

Troops eventually Troops eventually became frustrated became frustrated because of:because of:

1. Guerilla warfare1. Guerilla warfare 2. Harsh Jungle 2. Harsh Jungle

ConditionsConditions 3. Making No 3. Making No

Headway against the Headway against the enemyenemy

Sinking Morale (cont)Sinking Morale (cont) Many troops turned to Many troops turned to

alcohol, drugs, alcohol, drugs, prostitution, and infighting prostitution, and infighting among their own menamong their own men

Morale would worsen Morale would worsen later when soldiers later when soldiers realized they were realized they were fighting even though their fighting even though their govt. was negotiating a govt. was negotiating a withdrawalwithdrawal

Overall, most soldier still Overall, most soldier still believed in their cause believed in their cause halt the spread of halt the spread of communismcommunism

The Living Room War:The Living Room War: Vietnam’s violence was Vietnam’s violence was

televised nationallytelevised nationally The Johnson The Johnson

administration told the administration told the American public things American public things were going well – they were going well – they didn’t all believe it – didn’t all believe it – credibility gapcredibility gap (mixed (mixed messages)messages)

America was not split America was not split 50/50 on the war50/50 on the war

America’s youth would America’s youth would soon begin protesting the soon begin protesting the warwar

SECTION 3 A Nation Divided SECTION 3 A Nation Divided

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

1.1. Explain the draft policies that led to the Explain the draft policies that led to the Vietnam War becoming a working-class Vietnam War becoming a working-class war. war.

2.2. Trace the roots of opposition to the war. Trace the roots of opposition to the war.

3.3. Describe the antiwar movement and the Describe the antiwar movement and the growing divisions in U.S. public opinion growing divisions in U.S. public opinion about the war. about the war.

Section Three: A Nation DividedSection Three: A Nation Divided

Main IdeaMain Idea: An antiwar : An antiwar movement in the US pitted movement in the US pitted supporters of the supporters of the government’s war policy government’s war policy against those who against those who opposed it.opposed it.

Why it Matters NowWhy it Matters Now: The : The painful process of healing painful process of healing a divided nation a divided nation continues today.continues today.

Key Terms:Key Terms: DraftDraft New LeftNew Left Students for a Students for a

Democratic SocietyDemocratic Society

Key Terms:Key Terms: Free Speech MovementFree Speech Movement DoveDove HawkHawk

A Manipulatable Draft:A Manipulatable Draft: Most soldiers who fought in Most soldiers who fought in

Vietnam were selected in the Vietnam were selected in the draftdraft

Any male between the ages of Any male between the ages of 18-26 could be called to war18-26 could be called to war

Men tried to find ways around Men tried to find ways around the draft (medical exemptions, the draft (medical exemptions, joining the Coast / National joining the Coast / National Guard)Guard)

Men also enrolled in college Men also enrolled in college (deferment) – this created a (deferment) – this created a social gap ($$)social gap ($$)

80% of the soldiers in Vietnam 80% of the soldiers in Vietnam came from lower economic came from lower economic levels levels

African Americans in Vietnam:African Americans in Vietnam:

During the first several During the first several years of the war, black years of the war, black represented 20% of the represented 20% of the combat deaths (only 10% combat deaths (only 10% of soldiers were black)of soldiers were black)

The draft “lottery” was The draft “lottery” was introduced after this introduced after this became known (1969)became known (1969)

Racial tension ran high in Racial tension ran high in platoonsplatoons

Women Join the Ranks:Women Join the Ranks:

Women could not Women could not serve in combat rolesserve in combat roles

10,000 women served 10,000 women served in Vietnam as nursesin Vietnam as nurses

Others volunteered Others volunteered their time with the their time with the Red Cross, providing Red Cross, providing aid to the troopsaid to the troops

The Roots of American Opposition:The Roots of American Opposition:

New LeftNew Left – growing youth – growing youth movement that demanded movement that demanded huge social change in huge social change in AmericaAmerica

Students for a Democratic Students for a Democratic SocietySociety – called for greater – called for greater individual freedom and less individual freedom and less “big government”“big government”

Free Speech MovementFree Speech Movement – – students wanted to be able students wanted to be able to protest and give to protest and give speeches at campus events speeches at campus events and rallies without and rallies without intervention intervention

Campus Activism:Campus Activism:

Students began to protest Students began to protest everything from dorm everything from dorm regulations to dress regulations to dress codes, and curfews.codes, and curfews.

By the mid 1960’s, many By the mid 1960’s, many youths believed the youths believed the nation to be in need of nation to be in need of fundamental changefundamental change

Some teachers joined the Some teachers joined the students in war protestingstudents in war protesting

The Movement Grows:The Movement Grows: Students began rallying in Students began rallying in

D.C. (20-30,000 strong)D.C. (20-30,000 strong) The Johnson The Johnson

administration changed administration changed college deferment college deferment policies requiring policies requiring students to be in good students to be in good academic standing to be academic standing to be eligible for military eligible for military deferment – many deferment – many students protestedstudents protested

So, why did the students So, why did the students protest the war so protest the war so strongly?strongly?

Reasons for Vietnam Protest:Reasons for Vietnam Protest: 1. The belief that Vietnam 1. The belief that Vietnam

was in a civil war and the was in a civil war and the US didn’t belong thereUS didn’t belong there

2. The belief that the 2. The belief that the South Vietnamese were South Vietnamese were just as oppressive as the just as oppressive as the CommunistsCommunists

3. The belief that the US 3. The belief that the US shouldn’t have to police shouldn’t have to police the entire globethe entire globe

4. The war was morally 4. The war was morally unjustunjust

Which do you think was Which do you think was the strongest reason?the strongest reason?

From Protest to Resistance:From Protest to Resistance: In 1967, ½ million protested In 1967, ½ million protested

organized in organized in NYC’s Central NYC’s Central ParkPark

Many tossed their draft cards Many tossed their draft cards into a large bonfire shouting into a large bonfire shouting “Hell, no, we won’t go!”“Hell, no, we won’t go!”

4000 draft resisters would be 4000 draft resisters would be imprisoned, some even fled to imprisoned, some even fled to CanadaCanada

A massive protest at the A massive protest at the Pentagon in 1967 turned Pentagon in 1967 turned bloody with 1500 injured and bloody with 1500 injured and 700 arrested700 arrested

Nixon would eventually phase Nixon would eventually phase out the draft in the early 1970’sout the draft in the early 1970’s

War Divides the Nation:War Divides the Nation: America became divided America became divided

into aggressors and into aggressors and pacifistspacifists

DovesDoves – withdraw from – withdraw from VietnamVietnam

HawksHawks – more military – more military forceforce

Many were angered that Many were angered that Americans were Americans were protesting a war in which protesting a war in which the soldiers were still the soldiers were still actively fightingactively fighting

Johnson Remains Determined:Johnson Remains Determined:

Johnson dismissed public Johnson dismissed public opinion and continued his opinion and continued his plan of “slow escalation”plan of “slow escalation”

Robert McNamaraRobert McNamara (Sec. (Sec. of Def) resigned stating of Def) resigned stating that the war was that the war was unwinnableunwinnable

The next year (1968) The next year (1968) would be one of the most would be one of the most explosive years in explosive years in American historyAmerican history

SECTION 4 1968: A Tumultuous SECTION 4 1968: A Tumultuous Year Year

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

1.1. Describe the Tet offensive and its effect Describe the Tet offensive and its effect on the American public. on the American public.

2.2. Explain the domestic turbulence of 1968. Explain the domestic turbulence of 1968.

3.3. Describe the 1968 presidential election. Describe the 1968 presidential election.

Section Four: 1968: A Tumultuous Section Four: 1968: A Tumultuous YearYear

Main IdeaMain Idea: An enemy : An enemy attack in Vietnam, two attack in Vietnam, two assassinations, and a assassinations, and a chaotic political chaotic political convention made 1968 an convention made 1968 an explosive year.explosive year.

Why it Matters NowWhy it Matters Now: : Disturbing events in 1968 Disturbing events in 1968 accentuated the nation’s accentuated the nation’s divisions, which are still divisions, which are still healing in the 21healing in the 21stst century. century.

Key Terms:Key Terms: Tet OffensiveTet Offensive Clark CliffordClark Clifford Robert KennedyRobert Kennedy

Key Terms:Key Terms: Eugene McCarthyEugene McCarthy Hubert HumphreyHubert Humphrey George WallaceGeorge Wallace

A Surprise Attack:A Surprise Attack: Jan. 30Jan. 30thth in the Vietnamese in the Vietnamese

equivalent to New Yearsequivalent to New Years During this time, safe travel was During this time, safe travel was

allowed between N and S allowed between N and S VietnamVietnam

Northern Vietnamese sent the Northern Vietnamese sent the coffins of dead soldiers back to coffins of dead soldiers back to S VietnamS Vietnam

Inside the coffins were the Inside the coffins were the bodies, but also weaponsbodies, but also weapons

In the month to follow, the In the month to follow, the Vietcong would use thee Vietcong would use thee weapons to take over 100 cities weapons to take over 100 cities in S Vietnamin S Vietnam

The Vietcong also took the US The Vietcong also took the US Embassy in Saigon (killing 5 Embassy in Saigon (killing 5 Americans)Americans)

This month long surge would This month long surge would be called the be called the Tet OffensiveTet Offensive

Tet Changes Public Opinion:Tet Changes Public Opinion: This offensive changed This offensive changed

public opinion very public opinion very quicklyquickly

The media now openly The media now openly criticized the warcriticized the war

Clark CliffordClark Clifford filled filled McNamara’s spot as Sec. McNamara’s spot as Sec. of Def. – he also believed of Def. – he also believed that the war was that the war was unwinnableunwinnable

Johnson’s popularity Johnson’s popularity started to plummet to started to plummet to record lows (the media record lows (the media reinforced this)reinforced this)

Johnson Withdraws:Johnson Withdraws: The Democratic Party was The Democratic Party was

looking for someone to looking for someone to challenge Johnson in the 1968 challenge Johnson in the 1968 primary and end the warprimary and end the war

Eugene McCarthyEugene McCarthy declared declared that he would run against that he would run against Johnson and end the warJohnson and end the war

Johnson decided to drop out of Johnson decided to drop out of the race after McCarthy gained the race after McCarthy gained almost as many votesalmost as many votes

““The war killed the lady I really The war killed the lady I really loved – The Great Society”loved – The Great Society”

Violence and Protest Grip the Violence and Protest Grip the Nation:Nation:

MLKMLK was assassinated was assassinated on April 4, 1968on April 4, 1968

Violent protests and riots Violent protests and riots swept the nation in over swept the nation in over 100 cities100 cities

RFKRFK was assassinated was assassinated two months latertwo months later

Many campus protests Many campus protests began to turn violentbegan to turn violent

People were losing People were losing control and the control and the government wasn’t sure government wasn’t sure just what to dojust what to do

Turmoil in Chicago:Turmoil in Chicago: The Democratic National The Democratic National

Convention was in Chicago in Convention was in Chicago in 19681968

Eugene McCarthyEugene McCarthy and and Hubert Hubert HumphreyHumphrey were both pitted were both pitted against one anotheragainst one another

10,000 protesters arrived and 10,000 protesters arrived and 12,000 Chicago police and 12,000 Chicago police and 5,000 National Guard were 5,000 National Guard were sent insent in

Before long things got ugly – Before long things got ugly – rioters were sprayed with rioters were sprayed with pepper spray and beaten with pepper spray and beaten with nightsticksnightsticks

Nixon Triumphs:Nixon Triumphs: In 1968, In 1968, Richard NixonRichard Nixon

announced his candidacy announced his candidacy for president and won the for president and won the party’s nominationparty’s nomination

He campaigned on He campaigned on returning law and orderreturning law and order

He also promised to end He also promised to end the war in Vietnamthe war in Vietnam

He would win the He would win the presidency and presidency and eventually create even eventually create even more protest and uproar more protest and uproar within the countrywithin the country

SECTION 5 The End of the War SECTION 5 The End of the War and its Legacy and its Legacy

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

1.1. Describe Nixon's policy of Describe Nixon's policy of Vietnamization. Vietnamization.

2.2. Explain the public's reaction to the Explain the public's reaction to the Vietnam War during Nixon's presidency. Vietnam War during Nixon's presidency.

3.3. Describe the end of U.S. involvement Describe the end of U.S. involvement and the final outcome in Vietnam. and the final outcome in Vietnam.

4.4. Examine the war's painful legacy in the Examine the war's painful legacy in the United States and Southeast Asia. United States and Southeast Asia.

Section 5: The End of the War and Section 5: The End of the War and Its LegacyIts Legacy

Main IdeaMain Idea: President : President Nixon instituted his Nixon instituted his Vietnamization policy, and Vietnamization policy, and America’s longest war America’s longest war finally came to an end.finally came to an end.

Why it Matters NowWhy it Matters Now: Since : Since Vietnam, the United States Vietnam, the United States considers more carefully the considers more carefully the risks to its own interests risks to its own interests before intervening in foreign before intervening in foreign affairs.affairs.

Key Terms:Key Terms: Richard NixonRichard Nixon Henry KissingerHenry Kissinger VietnamizationVietnamization Silent MajoritySilent Majority My LaiMy Lai

Key Terms:Key Terms: Kent State UniversityKent State University Pentagon PapersPentagon Papers War Power ActWar Power Act

The Pullout Begins:The Pullout Begins: In the summer of 1969, In the summer of 1969,

Nixon announced the first Nixon announced the first US troops withdrawal US troops withdrawal from Vietnamfrom Vietnam

Negotiations were Negotiations were underway but were not underway but were not going anywheregoing anywhere

Nixon conferred with his Nixon conferred with his National Security Advisor National Security Advisor – – Henry KissingerHenry Kissinger on a on a plan to end the US plan to end the US involvement in Vietnaminvolvement in Vietnam

Vietnamization:Vietnamization: Kissinger’s plan was Kissinger’s plan was

called called VietnamizationVietnamization – – gradual withdraw of US gradual withdraw of US troops in order for the S. troops in order for the S. Vietnamese to take a Vietnamese to take a more active combat role more active combat role in the war.in the war.

Over the next three Over the next three years, the number of years, the number of troops in Vietnam would troops in Vietnam would drop from 500,000 to drop from 500,000 to 25,00025,000

““Peace With Honor”Peace With Honor”

The US wanted to The US wanted to “bow out” of the war “bow out” of the war gracefully….so…..gracefully….so…..

Nixon secretly began Nixon secretly began massive bombings in massive bombings in North Vietnam, Laos, North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia (Laos and Cambodia (Laos and Cambodia and Cambodia housed many housed many Vietcong bases)Vietcong bases)

Trouble Continues on the Home Trouble Continues on the Home Front:Front:

Nixon was seeking to Nixon was seeking to win support for his win support for his war policieswar policies

He called on the He called on the silent majoritysilent majority – – moderate mainstream moderate mainstream Americans who Americans who quietly supported the quietly supported the war effortwar effort

Many did support the Many did support the President, not the warPresident, not the war

The My Lai Massacre:The My Lai Massacre: In March of 1968 it was In March of 1968 it was

discovered that a US platoon discovered that a US platoon massacred over 200 innocent massacred over 200 innocent women and children in the women and children in the small village of small village of My LaiMy Lai (S. (S. Vietnam)Vietnam)

Lieutenant William CalleyLieutenant William Calley and and his men were looking for his men were looking for Vietcong rebels – they didn’t Vietcong rebels – they didn’t find anyfind any

““I poured about four clips into I poured about four clips into the group..the mothers the group..the mothers hugging their children…Well, hugging their children…Well, we kept right on firing.”we kept right on firing.”

Calley was convicted and Calley was convicted and imprisoned – the others were imprisoned – the others were charged for minor offensescharged for minor offenses

The Invasion of Cambodia:The Invasion of Cambodia:

It seemed as if the war It seemed as if the war was winding downwas winding down

The President however The President however was still sending troops was still sending troops into Cambodia to bring into Cambodia to bring down the Vietcongdown the Vietcong

In response to this In response to this invasion, 1.5 million invasion, 1.5 million students protested and students protested and closed down over 1,200 closed down over 1,200 campusescampuses

Violence On Campus:Violence On Campus:

May 4, 1970 - Disaster May 4, 1970 - Disaster struck hardest at struck hardest at Kent Kent State UniversityState University

Four students were killed Four students were killed in a clash with the in a clash with the National GuardNational Guard

Ten days later another Ten days later another protest at Jackson State protest at Jackson State in Mississippi, killed two in Mississippi, killed two students and wounded 12 students and wounded 12 moremore

The Pentagon Papers:The Pentagon Papers: Congress was furious with Congress was furious with

Nixon for bombing and invading Nixon for bombing and invading Cambodia without Cambodia without Congressional approvalCongressional approval

Congress decided to repeal the Congress decided to repeal the Tonkin Gulf ResolutionTonkin Gulf Resolution, limiting , limiting Nixon’s wartime powersNixon’s wartime powers

The The Pentagon PapersPentagon Papers were were also leaked during this time – a also leaked during this time – a 7,000 page report describing 7,000 page report describing Johnson’s escalating war plans Johnson’s escalating war plans (when he was telling the (when he was telling the American people that he was American people that he was pulling troops out of the war)pulling troops out of the war)

The papers also showed that The papers also showed that there was never a plan to end there was never a plan to end the war as long as the N. the war as long as the N. Vietnamese persisted.Vietnamese persisted.

America’s Longest War Ends:America’s Longest War Ends: In March of 1972, The N. In March of 1972, The N.

Vietnamese launched Vietnamese launched their largest offensive their largest offensive since Tetsince Tet

Nixon responded with a Nixon responded with a massive bombing massive bombing campaign against the N. campaign against the N. Vietnamese cities.Vietnamese cities.

This did not stop themThis did not stop them Nixon would soon take Nixon would soon take

steps to end America’s steps to end America’s involvement in the warinvolvement in the war

The Final Push:The Final Push: President Nixon won reelection President Nixon won reelection

but peace still wasn’t at handbut peace still wasn’t at hand Negotiations still were at a Negotiations still were at a

stalematestalemate Nixon decided to drop 100,000 Nixon decided to drop 100,000

more bombs on N. Vietnam, more bombs on N. Vietnam, pausing only on Christmas Daypausing only on Christmas Day

Other world powers began to Other world powers began to notice the futility of the warnotice the futility of the war

On January 27, 1973, America On January 27, 1973, America signed a “signed a “peace agreementpeace agreement””

N. Vietnamese troops would N. Vietnamese troops would remain in S. Vietnam – Nixon remain in S. Vietnam – Nixon promised to respond with “full promised to respond with “full force” if the peace treaty was force” if the peace treaty was violated.violated.

For America, the Vietnam War For America, the Vietnam War had ended.had ended.

The Fall of Saigon:The Fall of Saigon: The war however, raged The war however, raged

on.on. Within months of the Within months of the

cease fire agreement, cease fire agreement, North and South Vietnam North and South Vietnam were fighting againwere fighting again

South Vietnam asked for South Vietnam asked for help – the US sent $$help – the US sent $$

Soon after, Soon after, SaigonSaigon – S. – S. Vietnam capital, was Vietnam capital, was taken by the N. taken by the N. VietnameseVietnamese

The War Leaves a Painful Legacy:The War Leaves a Painful Legacy:

The Vietnam War:The Vietnam War: 58,000 American killed58,000 American killed 303,000 wounded303,000 wounded North and South North and South

Vietnamese deaths Vietnamese deaths topped 2,000,000topped 2,000,000

The war left many The war left many Americans cautious about Americans cautious about their government.their government.

American Veterans Cope Back American Veterans Cope Back Home:Home:

The nation extended a The nation extended a “cold hand” to the troops “cold hand” to the troops returning from Vietnamreturning from Vietnam

No parades, no cheering No parades, no cheering crowds.crowds.

About 15% of troops were About 15% of troops were treated for PTSD, with treated for PTSD, with many more suffering from many more suffering from drug, alcohol abuse, an drug, alcohol abuse, an suicidesuicide

The Veterans Memorial The Veterans Memorial was created in D.C. in was created in D.C. in 1982 to honor those who 1982 to honor those who served in the war.served in the war.

Further Turmoil in Southeast Asia:Further Turmoil in Southeast Asia:

The Communist N. The Communist N. Vietnamese imprisoned Vietnamese imprisoned more than 400,000 more than 400,000 South Vietnamese in South Vietnamese in the years to followthe years to follow

Nearly 1.5 million Nearly 1.5 million people fled Vietnampeople fled Vietnam

The US invasion of The US invasion of Cambodia also sparked Cambodia also sparked a harsh civil war – a harsh civil war – Khmer RougeKhmer Rouge wanted a wanted a “peasant society” and “peasant society” and executed anyone with executed anyone with an education or foreign an education or foreign tiesties

In the end, the In the end, the Khmer Khmer RougeRouge killed at least killed at least 1,000,000 people1,000,000 people

The Legacy of Vietnam:The Legacy of Vietnam:

After Vietnam the After Vietnam the government would government would abolish the draftabolish the draft

In 1973, Congress also In 1973, Congress also passed the passed the War Powers War Powers ActAct – president must – president must inform Congress of inform Congress of military decisionsmilitary decisions

The war diminished The war diminished American faith in their American faith in their governmentgovernment