The Vietnam War

1. The Vietnam War Reasons for Australia’s involvement

2. Four main reasons for Australia’s Involvement • Treaties and Alliances • SEATO and ANZUS • Threat of Indonesia • Insurance for Australia’s security • Containment policy • The Global threat of Communism • Forward Defence Policy • Menzies Believed in Fighting his enemies on their turf

3. Forward Defence • Menzies Believed that it was better to meet the threat on foreign soil. • Fighting in Vietnam meant Australia’s land, economy, and her civilian population would not be harmed.

4. Containment Policy • Menzies was a strong opponent of Communism. • He showed this through: • His attempt to ban the Communist Party • The way he used the Petrov affair to his advantage • His belief in the Domino theory • Menzies used his power to protect Democracy and Capitalism.

5. Threat of Indonesia • In the mid 60’s Australia’s greatest threat was Indonesia, not Vietnam. • By supporting the United States in Vietnam, Australia ensured that the United States would defend her against Indonesia should the need arise.

6. Alliances • Australia has signed two treaties as a result of the threat of Communism in the 50’s • Although Australia was not obligated to enter the Vietnam War because of ANZUS and SEATO, Menzies believed that it was Australia’s duty as an ally