Heimlich History: The Vietnam War

Overview

• Part of Unit Eight of the AP US History Curriculum
• Focus on US involvement in the Cold War
• Discussing the Vietnam War, its causes, and effects

Background

• Vietnam divided into North (Communist under Ho Chi Minh) and South (Democratic, with US ties) post-decolonization
• Eisenhower's Domino Theory: US support for South Vietnam to prevent a domino effect of regional communist control
• US Foreign Policy: Containment of communism

Key Events Leading to the War

Kennedy's Involvement

• Sent military advisors (16,000) to support South Vietnam
• Advisors' role: Officially 'support', not combat

Johnson's Presidency

• Gulf of Tonkin Incident
  • Alleged North Vietnamese attack on US battleship
  • Led to Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: Presidential powers to protect American interests
  • Not a war declaration, but expanded military involvement

Military Escalation

• Step-by-step escalation strategy
  • Underestimation of North Vietnamese capabilities
  • Significant increase in US troops (200,000 by 1965, doubled by 1967)

Domestic Impact

• Public Opinion and Opposition
  • Fierce debates and anti-war protests
  • Civil rights movement simultaneous with anti-war sentiment
  • Disinformation campaigns by Johnson administration
  • "Credibility Gap": Mismatch between government reports and televised realities

Tet Offensive

• Surprise North Vietnamese attack
• Heavy casualties for both sides
• Resulted in the end of Johnson's escalation efforts

Nixon's Presidency

• Vietnamization
  • Policy to reduce US troops while still aiding South Vietnam
  • Gradual ending of US involvement without admitting defeat

Conclusion

• Nixon effectively ended the Vietnam War

Additional Resources

• Review packets and playlists for AP US History exams
• Encouragement to subscribe and access more content