Lecture Notes: The Vietnam War - AP US History

Introduction

• Focus on U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War
• Analyze the causes and effects of the war
• Continuation of U.S. Cold War strategies and policies

Background

• Geographic Division: Vietnam divided into North (Communist under Ho Chi Minh) and South (Democratic, supported by the U.S.)
• Eisenhower's Domino Theory: Belief that if South Vietnam fell to communism, it would cause a domino effect in the region

Kennedy Administration

• Military Advisers: Sent to South Vietnam to support the government, not to engage in combat

Johnson Administration & Gulf of Tonkin Incident

• 1963: Kennedy assassinated, Johnson becomes president
• Gulf of Tonkin Incident: North Vietnamese allegedly fire on a U.S. battleship
  • Disputed aggression used as a justification for military involvement
  • Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: Congress grants Johnson power to use military force without a formal declaration of war

U.S. Military Escalation

• Step-by-Step Escalation: Johnson's strategy to apply increasing pressure on North Vietnam
• Troop Deployment: Rapid increase in U.S. troops in Vietnam, reaching over 400,000 by 1967
• Vietnamese Resistance: Underestimated by U.S., leading to heavy casualties

Domestic Impact

• Credibility Gap: Discrepancy between Johnson's portrayal of the war and the reality seen on TV
• Anti-War Protests: Growing opposition in the U.S. amid civil rights movements

Tet Offensive

• 1968: Surprise attack by North Vietnam causing heavy U.S. casualties
• Credibility Loss: Increased skepticism about U.S. success in Vietnam

Conclusion of Johnson's Policy

• End of Escalation: Johnson's advisers refuse further troop increases

Nixon Administration

• Vietnamization: Gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops while supporting South Vietnam financially and militarily
• End of War: Nixon's policies effectively ended U.S. involvement in Vietnam

Additional Resources

• References to playlists and review packets for further study

Closing

• Encouragement to subscribe for more educational content