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The Vietnam War (1954-1975)

The Vietnam War (1954-1975). Origins. Controlled by France- “French Indochina” Ho Chi Minh – nationalist leader Created Vietminh, Communist North V France asks U.S. for aid – free South V. Origins (cont.). U.S. reluctant Ike supports French

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The Vietnam War (1954-1975)

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  1. The Vietnam War (1954-1975)

  2. Origins • Controlled by France- “French Indochina” • Ho Chi Minh – nationalist leader • Created Vietminh, Communist North V • France asks U.S. for aid – free South V

  3. Origins (cont.) • U.S. reluctant • Ike supports French • Domino Theory- if V fell to communism, other nations would too • Test of containment

  4. Going to War • Vietcong- guerilla army • JFK elected in 1961 • Increased U.S. military/financial aid to South V • Assassinated in 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson sworn in

  5. The Berlin Wall (1961) • Barrier built by Soviets • Cut off W. Berlin, divided Europe • Wanted to close escape route from East Europe • Fell in 1990

  6. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution • 1964- North V torpedo boats fire at U.S. warships • LBJ asked Congress for use of force • Gave Pres. unprecedented war powers • Violated separation of powers

  7. Warfare • Vietcong used ambushes, booby traps • Blended in w/ civilians • Hid in thick jungles • U.S. dropped napalm- explosive jellied gas • Agent Orange- destroys landscape

  8. The Antiwar Movement • Extremely unpopular • First “television war” – massive war protest • Anger w/ draft- minorities • Hawks vs. Doves

  9. End of the War • 1968- Richard Nixon elected Pres. • 1973- U.S. withdraws troops • South V falls to North, still sought U.S. help • Cost U.S. $170 bil, 58,000 deaths • Considered U.S. defeat

  10. Current Themes • Terrorism  war in Afghanistan, Iraq • Collapse of Soviet Union- Marxism is outdated • George W. Bush- “roadmap to peace” b/w Israel & Palestine • Other issues- illegal immigration, relations w/ China

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