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VIETNAM. French Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos). China controlled the area for more than a thousand years (200BC – AD939). France colonizes area in late 1800’s After WW2, it wants to keep its colonial empire (took a beating in the world wars). VIETNAM.
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VIETNAM French Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos) China controlled the area for more than a thousand years (200BC – AD939) France colonizes area in late 1800’s After WW2, it wants to keep its colonial empire (took a beating in the world wars)
VIETNAM Ho Chi Minh, nationalist and communist, fightsfor Vietnamese independence
TRUMAN Originally anti-French colonial (’45-’47) 1948 the concept of French colonialism is changed to anti-communism 1950-52 almost $500 mill in aid given to France (1/3 cost)
EISENHOWER $1 billion in 1954 (1/2 cost) Dien Bien Phu falls in May 1954. FR asked for direct military assistance, but we declined. Ike wanted congressional approval.
EISENHOWER • Geneva Accords July 1954 • Divide Vietnam into North & South along 17th parallel • FR out, general elections in 2 yrs. to unite country • US doesn’t sign, but we promise not to intervene
EISENHOWER We send advisors thru SEATO July 1955, Ngo Dinh Diem in South refuses elections (he would have lost) Domino Theory – Ike warns of one nation after another falling to communists 1000 advisors in 1960
KENNEDY Wanted to prove toughness after failures at Bay of Pigs & Vienna summit Refused to send combat troops, but sent 16,000 military advisors by 1963 US becomes just the latest colonial power US allowed coup. Nov. 1-2, 1963 Diem assassinated (JFK 11/22/63)
Lyndon JOHNSON Self-delusional; Misperception; Ego; Stubbornness; Pride He had a tight inner-circle of loyal advisors. Doubters & “Traitors” were thrown out
Gulf of Tonkin Aug. 1964 US Destroyers C. Turner Joy and Maddox were “fired upon in international waters.” US bombers bombed coast of N. Vietnam and sank 25 PT boats
They were actually conducting Intel Ops supporting S. Viets commando raids in area (Hainan island) Returned Aug. 4, 1964 “attacked… I think” No visual confirmation
Gulf of TonkinRESOLUTION “President can take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the US and to prevent further aggression.” Blank Check
Combat Forces ESCALATION 500,000 troops by end of 1967 400,000 troops by end of 1966 200,000 troops by end of 1965 3500 Marines sent Feb. 1965
TET OFFENSIVE Jan. 1968 Huge VC & NVA coordinated attacks on S.V. cities… Including the American Embassy in Saigon.
TET OFFENSIVE HUGE VC losses. Portrayed as Am. defeat in US media… 3 years of bombing & half million troops should have prevented this
TET OFFENSIVE Communists: Military defeat; Political victory
TET OFFENSIVE Vietnam becomes the longest war in US history $27 billion per year ($74 mill/day) 280 dead week
NIXON • Vietnamization • Begins withdrawal • “Peace with Honor” • Cambodia • Destroy Comm sanctuaries • Bombing began 4/69 • Invasion 4/70
Paris Peace Talks Beginning Feb. 1970 (secretly) Sect. of State Henry Kissinger Le Duc Tho (NV Foreign Sect.)
Pentagon Papers Published in 1971 “leaked” to NY Times by Daniel Ellsberg Detailed government misleading Am public about Vietnam
Paris Peace TreatyJan. 27, 1973 War Powers Act 1973 Re-asserted Congress’ power to declare war. Set 60 day limit on president committing troops in foreign conflict.