9.2 The Cold War and Vietnam

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US involvement in Vietnam began during the 19th century when France acquired territory in Southeast Asia.

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France's territory included modern-day Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

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The US feared Vietnam would become communist.

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This fear led to US involvement under the policy of containment and the domino theory.

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The Geneva Accords' impact on Vietnam in 1954.

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Vietnam was partitioned along the 17th parallel into a communist North and a 'democratic' US-aligned South.

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Map of Southeast Asia showing Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and surrounding regions.

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The map illustrates the geopolitical landscape during the Cold War era.

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Ho Chi Minh and North Vietnam's goal

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Unite all of Vietnam under a communist-friendly government.

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Reason for blocking the national referendum on Vietnam's unification

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Blocked by South Vietnam with US support to resist communism.

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US support for South Vietnam

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Part of containment policy and domino theory to prevent the spread of communism.

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Communist support in South Vietnam

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Led by the National Liberation Front, also known as the Viet Cong, with support from North Vietnam.

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Impact of the South Vietnamese government's repression and ineffectiveness

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Led to US consent for a coup that overthrew the South Vietnamese government.

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US Concerns in Vietnam

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The US was worried about the "domino" effect, fearing that if Vietnam fell to communism, other Asian governments might follow, leading to increased support for South Vietnam.