U.S. Involvement and Escalation

U.S. Involvement and Escalation

By Mr. Carrasco

• In 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson won the presidency partly by presenting a moderate stance on Vietnam.

• He promised not to send "American boys" to fight a war that Asian nations should handle.

• However, most Americans supported his goal to contain communism.

Strong Support for Containment

Multiple Choice

What promise did Lyndon Johnson make during his campaign?

• Not to send "American boys" to fight a war

• To end all social welfare programs.
• To increase military spending significantly.
• To continue the Great Society programs.

• Passed by Congress in 1964, it gave Johnson broad military powers in Vietnam.

• Johnson initially resisted sending ground troops despite having authority.

• His campaign contrasted sharply with Barry Goldwater’s more aggressive tone, didn't want to go against his stance.

Tonking Gulf Resolution

• In March 1965, Johnson began sending thousands of troops to Vietnam.

• Marked a major shift from campaign promises

• 1965 poll: 61% supported U.S. policy in Vietnam.

• Congress and much of the public saw Vietnam as a test of U.S. commitment to contain communism.

The Turn 1965

• By the end of 1965, 180,000 U.S. troops were in Vietnam.

• General Westmoreland criticized the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN).

• He believed they "cannot stand up to the pressure without substantial U.S. combat support on the ground."

• Called for “aggressive deployment” of American forces.

Troop Buildup Accelerates

• The Viet Cong used guerrilla tactics: ambushes, hit-and-run attacks, and traps.

• They moved among civilians, making it hard to tell enemy from ally.

• Tunnels allowed them to hide, survive airstrikes, and launch surprise attacks.

• Jungle filled with booby traps and land mines from both sides.

• U.S. soldiers faced unbearable heat, leeches, and hidden dangers.

An Elusive Enemy

Open Ended

Why was fighting the Viet Cong difficult for American soldiers?

• Westmoreland’s strategy: wear down the Viet Cong with a high body count.

• Belief: increasing Viet Cong deaths would force surrender.

• Reality: The U.S. misunderstood the Viet Cong’s deep commitment to fight for their survival.

War of Attrition

• The U.S. aimed to win support from the rural South Vietnamese.

• The strategy included Green Berets, community support, and propaganda.

• “Just remember this. Communist guerrillas hide among the people. If you win the people over to your side, the communist guerrillas have no place to hide.” - Edward G. Lansdale

Battle for "Hearts and Minds"

• The U.S. used napalm to set fire to the jungle and Agent Orange to kill the leaves and expose the Viet Cong.

• These often harmed civilians and devastated the environment, with Agent Orange and others being blamed for cancers suffered by civilians and soldiers who handled it.

• Search-and-Destroy missions displaced 3 million as their villages were burned and livestock killed

Destruction Impedes Efforts

Open Ended

Using Agent Orange, Napalm, and other substances to defoliate the jungles of Vietnam was an effective strategy. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain (2 to 3 sentences)

• Harsh conditions and lack of progress lowered morale.

• Some troops turned to drugs and alcohol; others protested.

• Disillusionment grew as peace talks began.

• South Vietnamese government continued corruption and instability.

• Nguyen Cao Kay refused to retire and allow a civilian government

• May 1966 Buddhist monks and nuns in protest burned themselves again

Sinking Morale

• War costs caused inflation to rise from 2% in 1960 to 5.5% by 1969.

• Johnson asked for a tax increase in 1967.

• Congress agreed—only if $6 billion was cut from Great Society programs.

Great Society Suffers

• Vietnam was the first war widely televised, and television crews often accompanied soldiers on patrol.

• Footage often contradicted the government’s optimistic reports.

• Americans saw body bags, destruction, and confusion firsthand.

The Living-Room War

• Officials like Gen. Westmoreland claimed victory was near, repeatedly pointing to the VC's high body count.

• Defense Secretary McNamara said he saw “the light at the end of the tunnel.”

• Reality: Over 16,000 Americans were dead by 1967.

• A credibility gap was growing as many began to question what the government report vs what they saw on TV.

The Credibility Gap

Poll

Do you feel positively or negatively toward the war?

• Positively

• Negatively

• Senator J. William Fulbright, former Johnson ally, turned critic.

• Led televised hearings questioning the administration’s war policies.

• Americans began voicing unease: with one American interviewed saying, “I want to get out, but I don’t want to give in.”

Congressional Criticism

• By 1967, Americans were evenly split over the war.

• A growing protest movement, especially among youth, gained momentum.

• Disagreement wasn’t just political—it was generational and cultural.

Rising Division