Interlude
Thinking of RFK’s comment that tragedy is a tool to gain wisdom:•Please spend a few minutes reviewing your notes of America’s deepening commitment to Vietnam•Are there any themes you have picked up on, any principles that might have helped us avoid the pitfalls of the Vietnam War•Are there mistakes you see as being critical? Can you apply the lessons of those mistakes to other situations?
Johnson’s Choice: Moment of Descission 1965
BackgroundTonkin Gulf Resloution
Summer of 65: Moment of DecissionJohnson’s Choice: Class Presentations
GroupsOption 1 Madeline Alex Andrew Alex P.
Option 2 Anna Hannah Lisa Armin
Option 3 Allen Gave Mathew Katrina
Option 4 Nick D. Nick Scott Zach
L Lorenzo Jaymee Abby Julia
B Madeleine Kiel Art Wendy
J Rae Keegan Aiden Harrison
I AmyBea Sierra Leo
Option 1 Alex B. Adam Isaac Will
Option 2 Nash Madeline Nathan Dillon
Option 3 Annelies
Jake Elliot Simon
Option 4 Alfie Patrick N Gaelen Shane
L Bridget Andrew P Sean Zach
B Andy Thomas Elise Christina
J Wils Lia Drew Jack
I Andrew W
Lydia
Background: America’s Deepening Commitment
With your group: 1.Read: America’s Deepening Commitment 1954-1964 together2.Discuss as a group the questions on the “Advanced Study Guide II”3.Answer questions individually in your notebook as an assignment with the above title4.Read “The Tonkin Gulf Resolution” handout together and discuss the “Questions for Class Discussion” record your groups consensus answer and your rationals5.Read: “Summer of 1965: the Moment of Descission” and answer the “Discussion Questions” in your group and in your notebook
Preparing for Johnson’s Summer of 65 Vietnam Policy Review
1. Have group members claim a role: reader (reads option brief out loud to group), recorder (writes statement that is submitted for credit), presenter (presents proposal to President Johnson), Graphic Artist (makes a 8.5x11” plaque with title and graphic)
2. Option Groups listen to the reader as you work through your option breif.
1. Create a 3-5 presentation that advocates your option2. Be sure that your presentation evaluates historical background, our national
interest, and political considerations.3. The recorder’s script & the presenters response to questions from President
Johnson will determine your grade.3. LBJ’s- read over proposals in brief, decide which option you lean toward,
which proposals are you skeptical about?1. Draft questions for each policy team. You may refer to the more detailed
info packets if you need too.2. Questions for the policy option teams teams will be turned in for your credit