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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