Vietnam: Moving Toward Conflict

Vietnam: Moving Toward Conflict

Moving Toward Conflict

• France had ruled Vietnam since the late 1800s until WW2 when Japan moved in.

• Ho Chi Minh and the Vietminh declare Vietnam an independent country after WW2

Multiple Choice

What country ruled Vietnam prior to World War Two and will attempt to reacquire it after World War Two?

• The United States

• Great Britain

• France

• The Soviet Union

Moving Toward Conflict

• The French refuse to give up Vietnam and regain control of Southern portion.

• 1950 - President Truman sends $15 million in aid to France

• Aid eventually totals 2.6 billion against a former ally

Multiple Choice

What will be President Truman's policy concerning Vietnam?

• He will provide troops and money to aid the French in Vietnam.

• He will provide troops only to aid the French in Vietnam.

• He will provide money only to aid the French in Vietnam.

• He will decide not to provide the French with any aid at all.

Moving Toward Conflict

• U.S. wanted to keep France as an ally and stop the spread of communism.

• Eisenhower continued to provide financial aid, but also sent in 600 "advisors"

• Believed in Domino Theory

Multiple Choice

What will be President Eisenhower's policy concerning the spread of communism in Vietnam?

• He will provide money only.

• He will provide troops only in the form of "advisors."

• He will not provide any aid to Vietnam.

• He will provide money and troops in the form of "advisors."

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the best definition of the "Domino Theory?"

• If one country in a region falls to communism; other countries in the region will.

• If a country in a region becomes democratic; other countries in the region will.

• If a country in a region becomes a dictatorship; other countries in the region will.

• America can spread democracy in a region of the world like "dominoes in a row."

Moving Toward Conflict

• Vietminh defeat French at Battle of Dien Bien Phu, 1954.

Moving Toward Conflict

• Geneva accords temporarily divide N. and S. Vietnam at 17th Parallel

• Elections for unified Vietnam set for 1956

• S. Vietnamese President, Ngo Dinh Diem, refuses to participate

Multiple Choice

At what latitude (parallel) line was Vietnam divided between North and South following the Geneva Accords?

• 7th

• 17th

• 38th

• 42nd

Moving Toward Conflict

• U.S. supports Diem, due to Ho Chi Minh communism

• Diem government becomes oppressive and corrupt

Moving Toward Conflict

• Vietcong attacks Diem government with support from Ho Chi Minh Trail

• Kennedy increases money and “advisors” (16,000)

• Supports Diem coup

Multiple Choice

What will be President Kennedy's policy concerning Vietnam?

• He withdraws all troops.

• He withdraws all troops, but continues to provide money.

• He withdraws troop and financial support.

• He increases money and troops in the form of "advisors."

Moving Toward Conflict

• After Kennedy’s death in 1963, President Lyndon Johnson escalates involvement

• Concerned about U.S. foreign policy role and being called “soft” on communism

Moving Toward Conflict

• Controversial attack on U.S.S. Maddox causes Congress to pass Tonkin Gulf Resolution giving Johnson broad powers to wage war.

• Launches “Operation Rolling Thunder”

• Bombing of N. Vietnam and 500,000 troops sent in by 1968

Multiple Select

In which of the following ways does President Lyndon Johnson escalate the war in Vietnam? Check all that apply.

• He use the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution to escalate bombing and increased troop involvements

• He launches "Operation Rolling Thunder"

• He withdraws troops but escalates mass bombing.

• He sends in 500,000 troops by 1968

• He escalates troop involvement, but refuses to bomb North Vietnam

Poll

The United States was justified in using the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution to escalate the war in Vietnam.

• Yes

• No