1938-1965: The Path to Vietnam War and French Indochina

Pre-War Context (1938-1940)

• 1938: France was prospering after its victory against Germany.
  • Concerns existed about Germany's potential retaliatory actions due to the reparations.
• 1939: Germany initiated aggressive actions towards France.
• Japan invaded French colonies, including Indochina, in 1940.

Post-World War II Developments

• Germany surrendered, followed by Japan.
• Indochina:
  • Originally conquered by France in 1887.
  • Ho Chi Minh led the Viet Minh, a communist army, against Japanese invaders.
  • Post-Japan's surrender, the Viet Minh wanted independence.

First Indochina War (1946-1954)

• Conflict:
  • French colonists resisted Viet Minh's push for independence.
  • The U.S. and Great Britain funded the French.
  • The Soviets and Communist China supported the Viet Minh.
• Outcome:
  • 1954: Viet Minh victory led to the country's division:
    • Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North)
    • State of Vietnam (South)
  • Cambodia and Laos gained independence.

Cold War Influence

• Global Context:
  • Both U.S. and Soviet Union avoided direct conflict, funding proxy wars instead.
• 1953:
  • President Eisenhower sought to avoid sending young Americans to the ongoing conflicts.

Second Indochina War (Vietnam War)

• South Vietnam:
  • Transitioned to the Republic of Vietnam through a referendum.
  • Tension with North Vietnam led to conflict.
• U.S. Involvement:
  • Concern over the "Domino Theory"—the fear that if Vietnam fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow.
  • Formation of Viet Cong (NLF) supported by the North.

Escalation of U.S. Involvement (1961-1965)

• Early 1960s:
  • President Kennedy debated sending troops.
  • Initial involvement included military advisors and equipment.
• 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Incident:
  • Conflict between North Vietnam's navy and a U.S. ship.
  • Led to increased U.S. military support.
• 1965 Developments:
  • Airstrikes over North Vietnam ordered by President Johnson.
  • March 8, 1965: 3,500 U.S. Marines landed in South Vietnam.
  • Attempts to disrupt the Ho Chi Minh trail failed.
  • 200,000 American troops were stationed in Vietnam by end of 1965.
• Challenges:
  • U.S. troops faced low morale and harsh guerrilla warfare.
  • General Westmoreland initiated offensive strategies to shift the tide of war.