Vietnam War Overview

Background

• Part of a series on the U.S. Cold War involvement.
• Vietnam divided into North (communist, led by Ho Chi Minh) and South (democratic, allied with US).
• Eisenhower’s "domino theory": preventing Vietnam from falling to communism to avoid a domino effect in the region.

U.S. Involvement

• John F. Kennedy: Sent military "advisors" to support South Vietnam, emphasizing support rather than combat.
• Lyndon B. Johnson: Became president after Kennedy’s assassination.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

• Alleged North Vietnamese attack on U.S. ship.
• Led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: Gave Johnson authority to protect American interests without Congress declaring war.

Military Escalation

• Johnson's strategy: Gradual increase in military pressure.
• By 1965, 200,000 U.S. troops in Vietnam; numbers continued to increase.

Domestic Impact

• Public and Congressional debate over executive power and military action.
• High American casualties; unclear purpose compared to WWII.
• Televised War: Media showed the harsh realities, leading to public skepticism and the "credibility gap."

Key Events

• Tet Offensive (1968): Surprise attack by North Vietnam; heavy casualties on both sides but challenged U.S. public perception of war success.
• Johnson’s Reaction: Post-Tet Offensive, advisors opposed further escalation.

Nixon’s Presidency

• Vietnamization: Gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops while supporting South Vietnam financially and militarily.

Conclusion

• Nixon’s policies effectively ended the Vietnam War.

Study Tips

• For more detailed help, refer to playlists and review packets mentioned.
• Understand the political and military strategies and their domestic impacts.
• Familiarize yourself with terms like "credibility gap" and key events like the Tet Offensive.