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The origins of the Vietnam war

This article explores Vietnam's history as Indo-China up to the end of World War II (1945) and explains the development of a communist threat in Southeast Asia. It also delves into the reasons why the United States got involved to help the French (1950-54) and highlights iconic images of the war.

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The origins of the Vietnam war

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  1. The origins of the Vietnam war L.O DESCRIBE Vietnam’s history as Indo-China up to the end of WW2 (1945) EXPLAIN why a communist threat developed in South East Asia by Explain why the US got involved to help the French 1950-54

  2. Iconic Images of the war

  3. KEYWORDS

  4. What was Indo-China? • Since the late 19th century Vietnam had been ruled by France. • France also controlled Laos, Cambodia. Collectively known as Indo-China • During WW2 the whole area overrun by Japanese • France was defeated by Germany in 1941-42 in WW2 so Japanese (Germany’s allies) took over Vietnam’s resources. • These were rice, rubber, roads and railways – valuable to the French and they want it back

  5. Vietnam during WW2 – the nationalist/ communist threat • The Indo-Chinese Communist Party was founded by Ho Chi Minh. • Wanted to expel the French – nationalist but also Communist inspired by Soviets • He inspired Vietnamese people to fight for independence • Formed the Viet Minh which aimed to fight the Japanese occupiers with US aid. Also had broader communist aim of equal power and distribution of wealth (Communism) • Ho Had plenty of popular support – Bao Dai the Vietnamese Emperor not liked as seen to have collaborated with the Japanese from 1941 • When war ended with Japanese surrender in 1945 Vietminh controlled the North. He then entered Hanoi and declared Vietnamese independence. Ho was President (before the French could return) • Ho hoped for US support – used phrases from US Declaration of Independence in his speech!

  6. After WW2 1945-46 • France want control of Vietnam back again - they ignore Ho’s declaration of independence • Determined not to give up on their old colony • Ho hopes for American support – knew that US were supposedly against colonialism • But by 1946 fighting breaks out between French and Viet Minh – US do not help Ho. They do not want to alienate the French in the growing Cold War context. Also underestimate extent of Ho Chi Minh’s Communist sympathies • Oct 1945 – Feb 1946 Ho send Washington 8 friendly messages but no reply.

  7. Why do the US get involved with the early war between the French and Vietminh? • In 1949 Communists took over China and began to give help to Ho Chi Minh. • America was alarmed and feared a Communist plan to dominate South East Asia. They no longer see Ho as a nationalist but more a part of a wider Communist international threat • So they helped French war effort and helped French set up non Communist government in the south led by Bao Dai • They give $500 million, transport planes, military hardware • 10,000 tons of equipment per month. • Concerned also about events in Europe • Covering 75-80% of the French struggle with Vietnam • US set up MAAG group in Saigon • Had given Napalm and combat machinery by 1950

  8. What was the ‘Domino Theory?’ • USA drive by this ideological fear of the communist threat and Soviet domination • Overlooked fact that Ho was a Nationalist first, Communist second • Also US whipped up in McArthyism • France was it’s NATO ally too!

  9. By the end of Truman’s presidency.....a ‘snowball effect’? ‘We are gradually increasing our stake in the outcome of the struggle....we are dangerously close to the point of being so deeply committed that we may find our selves completely committed even to direct intervention. These situations unfortunately have a way of snowballing’ Had Truman committed the US in Vietnam?

  10. WAR 1946-1954: Why were the French defeated ? • 1952 Eisenhower elected US president. • Continued to fund the French • French controlled the towns, Vietminh the countryside. • Bao Dai unpopular. Ho seen as the patriot • Vietminh used guerrilla tactics. It was impossible for the French to defeat them. They also fought for a powerful cause – commanded Vietminh very well • Role of Nguyen Giap – crucial support and organisation of army (‘Long-haired army, self-criticism sessions) • 1954 Battle of Dien Bien Phu French defeated.

  11. Consequences of the French defeat 1954 • French lost 3000 in battle and 8000 in captivity. • Viet Minh had defeated French in open battle with modern weapons supplied by USSR and China. • A small Asian state had defeated a rich European state. (leadership , tactics and determination) • In 1954 at the Geneva peace conference country was divided into North Vietnam and South Vietnam

  12. Why hadn’t Eisenhower intervened at Dienbienphu?

  13. The Division of Vietnam- The Geneva Conference and Accords • Why was it held? • What did the different participants hope to achieve? • What was agreed in 1954? • How did the US respond to the Geneva accords and why?

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