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The Secret War in Laos

The Secret War in Laos. What is the Secret War?. A 10-year, U.S. involved ground and air campaign targeting communist cells in Laos with the help of the mountain people. History of Southeast Asia. 1954 – Collapse of French control in Indochina Independent nations emerge

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The Secret War in Laos

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  1. The Secret War in Laos

  2. What is the Secret War? A 10-year, U.S. involved ground and air campaign targeting communist cells in Laos with the help of the mountain people.

  3. History of Southeast Asia • 1954 – Collapse of French control in Indochina • Independent nations emerge • Advisors sent from U.S. • 1961 – U.S. enters War in Vietnam

  4. What’s happening in Laos? • 1954 – Geneva Accord • Laos is independent • No foreign troops or bases allowed • A Divided Nation • Pathet Lao – communist will support N. Vietnam • Royal Lao Government (U.S. endorsed)

  5. Why the Secret War in Laos? • Ho Chi Minh Trail • Stop supplies • 1961 – President Kennedy orders CIA to recruit a secret army.

  6. Who are the recruitments? • The Hmong, including children • Reputation as great fighters • Led by General VangPao

  7. Why would the Hmong help? • Fear of life under communism • Possible self-rule • Promise from U.S. - the Hmong would be protected if Vietnam was lost.

  8. How did the Hmong help? Gather intelligence Rescue downed pilots Fight a Guerilla warfare

  9. The Failure • April 1975 – Fall of Saigon • Airlift U.S. officials and General Vang Pao and 2500 top Hmong

  10. Consequences…. • 10% of Hmong population in Laos is killed • The Hmong that supported the U.S. will be hunted by the Pathet Lao • Will make refuge in the jungle of Laos or Thailand

  11. Those that Flee Major obstacle- The Mekong River

  12. New Journey • Refuge camps in Thailand • Migration – U.S., France, Canada

  13. Legacies of Secret War • Historic bombing of a nation • U.S. cluster bombs still active in Laos • Oppression of the Hmong continue in Laos http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogerarnold/3184973244/in/photostream/lightbox/

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