The Vietnam “War”

The Domino Theory

If one country falls to communism, it will eventually cause another to fall. As the momentum (and strength) increases, more countries will fall.

Did “containment” work?

Korea?

VietnamWhat other policy besides

containment justified American involvement in Korea and Vietnam?

Common Denominators

Just like in Korea:North is communistSouth is democraticDesire to unify the countryNorth invades the south hoping to unite the

nation under communismAmerica wants to prevent the spread of

communism and assists the south to repel communist forces.

History

Vietnam was a French colony

Formed Republic of Vietnam – Bao Dai was leader

French defeated in May 1954 – (received U.S. aid)

Geneva Accords - July 1954Separated North and South Vietnam along 17th

parallelElections to be held in 1956 to reunify the countrySouth Vietnam refused claiming the North would

not hold fair elections, and the country remained divided.

The Players

Ho Chi Minh – Leader of Vietminh, communist North

Ngo Dinh Diem – Leader of democratic South

Eisenhower pledges support to South – sends advisors

By 1963 (JFK), 16,000 U.S. advisors were in the South

Johnson escalates war, Nixon ends it

Fall of Diem

Imprisoned his critics

U.S. aid meant for people went to military and corrupt officials

Moved peasants into “strategic hamlets”

Catholic in a largely Buddhist country – insisted Buddhists obey Catholic laws Monk burning in Saigon

Military coup in Nov 1963 (with U.S. support) Diem is executed as he tries to flee

Another Change in Leadership

Just 3 weeks later, JFK is assassinated in Texas.

V.P. Lyndon Johnson takes over, supporting containment:

“…You see, the Communists want to rule the world, and if

we don’t stand up to them, they will do it. And we’ll be slaves. Now, I’m not one of

those folks seeing Communists under every bed. But I do

know about the principles of power, and when one side is

weak, the other steps in.”

Communism Advances

Communist guerrillas in the South “Vietcong” are making gains – land and minds of the people

Aided by Vietminh in the North

“Not Another China!!”

Gulf of Tonkin

Johnson announces that North Vietnamese torpedo boats have attacked U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Some wondered if it really happened

Johnson asks Congress for authorization to act

Congress (almost unanimously) passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution allowing the President to, “take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression.”

U.S. at War

Draft, 3 million served – economic inequality

Horrible conditions – weather, style of fighting, poor leadership, morale, UE’s

Despite superiority of U.S. weaponry, they’re losing ground

Weaponry: napalm, incendiary bombs, land mines, tunnels

Agent Orange – used to kill foliage, also killed crops and caused health problems in livestock and humans.

Notable Moments

Tet OffensiveSurprise attack on the Vietnamese New Year Holiday

“Tet”Attacked 27 U.S. military installationsU.S. “won” in a few days

30,000 enemy kills, 3,000 U.S. and S. Vietnamese killed

Killed morale and worsened public opinion (media)Executed civilians including teachers & doctors

My Lai MassacreFrustrated U.S. troops kill over 500 civilians in My Lai

Response at Home

Hawks vs. Doves

Youth Rebellion – baby boom widening generation gap

SDS – student protests, teach-ins, burning draft cards, fleeing the country

Woodstock and the counterculture movement

CIA & FBI investigate and arrest activists

Kent State – 4 students killed

The “Silent Majority” and the “Hard Hat Riot”

Nixon

Has a “secret plan” to end the war Vietnamization – leave war to the South

VietnameseCut of Ho Chi Minh Trail

Destabilized Laos and Cambodia genocide

Troops were phased out but bombings intensified

Peace finally in Nixon’s second term

Peace: Sorta.

The peace agreement called for:1. The U.S. to withdraw their troops within

60 days2. All prisoners of war would be released3. All parties to the agreement would end

military activity in Laos and Cambodia4. The 17th parallel would continue to

divide North and South until the country could be reunited

The End.

Fighting continues between the North and South for 2 years

April 29, 1975 last U.S. personnel evacuated

Results

Laos and Cambodia fall to communism

War Powers Act – limit President’s ability to send troops to 60 days. Congressional authorization required thereafter.

Ego check from losing, 58K killed, 300K wounded

Faith in government questioned