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War in Vietnam

This chapter delves into the complex origins of the Vietnam War, tracing the fight for independence from French colonial rule led by Ho Chi Minh and the rise of the Vietcong. It examines the impact of the Geneva Accords, the establishment of a communist North and a free South, and the U.S. involvement fueled by the Domino Theory. Key events include the coup against Ngo Dinh Diem, the escalation of U.S. troop deployment, and the Tet Offensive, revealing the deep divisions within American society and the tragic consequences of the war. The legacy of conflict, loss, and unanswered questions continues to resonate.

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War in Vietnam

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  1. War in Vietnam Chapter 30

  2. Origins of War • Ho Chi Minh and Communist army win independence from France • Geneva Accords - Split • North communist – South Free (United States) • Ngo Dinh Diem took control of South in ’55 • Anti-Communist • Anti-Buddhist – Pro-Catholic

  3. Monks protesting the harsh treatment of Buddhists under Diem

  4. Origins of War continued… • Communists in the south organize and form the Vietcong • US had big fear of the Domino Theory – one country falls many will follow • Kennedy sends troops to help the south • Nov. 1, 1963 the South Vietnamese army staged a coup – overthrow the government • Assassinated Diem

  5. Conflict Continues • President Lyndon B. Johnson takes over after the death of JFK • Sec. of Defense Robert McNamara • “I don’t think it’s worth fighting for, but I don’t think we can get out.” • US ships attacked in the Gulf of Tonkin • LBJ now has a good reason to fight • US involvement begins to escalate – gradually increase • 180,000 in ’65 to 500,000 in ‘67

  6. Combat in Vietnam • Guerilla Warfare – jungles, tunnels, trails • Ho Chi Minh Trail – main supply route • The US began search – and – destroy missions – find the enemy and wipe them out • Backed by jets and helicopters • Napalm – liquid fire • Agent Orange – herbicide - chemical warfare • North Vietnamese/Vietcong frustrated the US by constantly out numbering them • Pres. Johnson – “Can we win this war?”

  7. Ho Chi Minh Trail

  8. Napalm

  9. Napalm Victims

  10. Agent Orange Victims

  11. Southeast Asia Map

  12. Generation Gap • A fight between young and old over the Vietnam War • Counterculture – a movement that rejected traditional values • Long hair, torn blue jeans, Rock N’ Roll

  13. The Draft • All men must register at 18 years old • Some believed if you stop the draft you can stop the war • Protests of burning draft cards • Congress made it illegal • Draft Dodgers • Question: Do you think the draft is a good idea? What problems could come up with soldiers who are drafted?

  14. Doves vs. Hawks • Doves – anti-war • Hawks – pro-war • “Is this war a mistake?” • Anti-War movement quickly grows • Soldiers that did serve • Many were ethnic minorities • Average age was 6 years younger than the soldiers in WWII

  15. Attack on American Ships • Jan. 23, 1968 USS Pueblo, a US spy ship and its crew are captured • This attack shocked America • “A US boat had been defeated”

  16. The Tet Offensive • Jan 31, 1968 (Vietnamese New Year - Tet) • North Vietnamese/Vietcong targeted southern bases and major cities (Saigon) • Vietcong drove deep into southern territory • America launched a strong counter attack and was able to push the Vietcong north • Major turning point in the war • Why? • 1st war shown on live television

  17. My Lai Massacre Death of 350-500 unarmed civilians in 1968 by US soldiers Huge cover up by military

  18. Response in America • Americans began to lose faith • The Gov’t developed a credibility gap – fewer people trusted their statements • Johnson ordered reevaluation of the war • “new step towards peace,” Bombings stopped

  19. Nixon’s New Plan • Nixon wins election of 1968 • “Peace with Honor” • Draft Reform • Vietnamization – South Vietnamese army would take over more of the fighting • More bombing in Cambodia and Laos • Kept a secret to the American People • Civil War

  20. Protests • Kent State • Student burned down a military building • 17 students shot – 4 killed, “Reasons that are unclear” • Jackson state – police shot and killed 2

  21. “Peace is at Hand” • Removal of over 450,000 US troops • 1st peace talks failed • South Vietnamese president did not want Northern troops in his country • Nixon reelected • One final round of bombings • Jan. 27, 1973 – Peace Treaty signed

  22. North Vietnam Continues • North Vietnamese army does not stop • Saigon fell on April 20, 1975 • Communism takes over Vietnam

  23. Legacy of the War • 1.4 million Vietnamese died • 58,000 Americans died – 300,000 wounded • 2.7 million served • No hero’s welcome • Many MIA’s (Missing in Action) – never found • Vietnam War Memorial

  24. Opinion • Do you think that this war was worth fighting? Why or Why Not? • If you were president what would you have done differently? • In your opinion, what makes a war worth fighting?

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