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The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War. 1965 - 1973. I. Background:. 1955 – Cold War– Geneva Peace Talks Vietnam divided @ 17 th parallel North – communist – Ho Chi Minh South – U.S. supported – Ngo Diem. II. U.S. Involvement. Keep S. Vietnam non-Communist

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The Vietnam War

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  1. The Vietnam War 1965 - 1973

  2. I. Background: • 1955 – Cold War– Geneva Peace Talks • Vietnam divided @ 17th parallel • North – communist – Ho Chi Minh • South – U.S. supported – Ngo Diem

  3. II. U.S. Involvement • Keep S. Vietnam non-Communist • Prevent Domino Theory – if Vietnam fell to communists – others follow • Diem corrupt, suppressed opposition & Buddhism • 1960 – in S. Vietnam opposition forms against Diem • NLF – National Liberation • Front (a.k.a. Vietcong) • Supplied w/arms along Ho Chi Minh Trail • 1963 US coup kills Diem • U.S. takes control of S.Vietnam (JFK)

  4. U.S Involvement

  5. III. The Tonkin Gulf Resolution • USS Maddox fired on by N. Viet. patrol boat • Torpedoes allegedly fired again 2 days later • LBJ asks for special military measures • Resolution was not a declaration of war, but gave LBJ broad military power • 1965 Combat troops arrive in Vietnam • Poll showed 61% of people supported troops going-purpose of containment

  6. IV. The Fog of War • Civilians are difficult to separate from the Vietcong-there are many civilian casualties • Jungle warfare & ambush • Elaborate tunnels means of transportation

  7. Wear down enemy by continuous harassment Vietcong received supplies from China & USSR Military battle vs. Battle for existence War of Attrition

  8. U. S. troops use Agent Orange • U.S. troops burn villages with napalm • Search & Destroy missions

  9. Sinking Morale • What problems did the U.S face in Vietnam? • Why could they not defeat the enemy?

  10. Accounts of the progress of the war differ, the govt. says the U.S. is winning, the media shows soldiers coming home in body bags Protest movement emerges Credibility gap

  11. Tet Offensive

  12. Election of 1968 • U.S. suffers major strategic losses: Tet Offensive (1968) • Turning point in public opinion • The Democrats are split between war vs. anti war candidates • Violent anti war protests further damage the party • RFK shot in CA in June 1968 • Nixon Triumphs

  13. V. War Ends • Nixon-Vietnamization- gradual withdrawal of troops • U.S. Pulls out (1969 – 1973) • “Peace With Honor” – Nixon • Invades Cambodia-massive student protest • 4 students killed at Kent State • 1973- Peace US Troops leave • Cease fire fails 1975 Saigon falls Evacuation of the U.S. Embassy 4/30/75

  14. Fall of Saigon

  15. Vietnam War Memorial Washington, D.C.

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