Vietnam War
War Powers Act
President must notify Congress within 48 hours if US forces are sent into combat without declaration of war Troops are not allowed to stay for more than 90 days without Congressional approval
"Peace at Hand"
Presidential election of 1972 was approaching Who was the Democratic candidate for President in 1972? -George McGovern Nixon and Kissinger began working harder for a peace settlement
Walter Cronkite
Respected CBS Anchorman turns against the War in Vietnam "For it seems now more certain than ever," Cronkite said, "that the bloody experience of Vietnam is to end in a stalemate." After watching Cronkite's broadcast, LBJ was quoted as saying. "That's it. If I've lost Cronkite, I've lost middle America."
Tet Holiday 1968
Truce was declared so both sides of the conflict could celebrate Tet with their families. NVA and Viet Cong began sneaking into cities with smuggled weapons. -Used flower carts, jury rigged coffins and trucks supposedly filled with rice and vegetables. They were disguised as peasants, refugees and workers.
Strategic Hamlets
Special fortified villages created by the South Vietnamese to protect villagers from the Viet Cong.
The War's Human Toll
Spent 170 Billion fighting the war 58,000 US deaths 300,000 wounded 1 million Vietnamese (North & South) deaths (soldiers) Countless civilians killed The nation extended a cold hand to troops returning home Many developed problems such a post traumatic stress Not until the Vietnam Memorial was built in 1982 were the troops honored
The Pentagon Papers
Support for the war had eroded Department of Defense worker Daniel Elsberg leaked classified military documents from 1967-68 What was the impact of the document? -It proved that the Johnson Administration had not been honest with the American people about the Vietnam War
Attack Fails
The VC failed and found themselves pinned-down by the Marine guards who kept the VC in an intense firefight. By mid-morning, the battle had turned. All 19 VC were killed, their bodies scattered around the Embassy courtyard.
Conflict in Vietnam
The Vietnam War was a military struggle fought in Vietnam from 1959 to 1975. It involved the North Vietnamese and the National Liberation Front (NLF) in conflict with United States forces and the South Vietnamese army.
Further Turmoil in Southeast Asia
The communists unleashed a wave of brutality in Southeast Asia Reeducation camps were opened Many Vietnamese fled What happened in Cambodia? -Communist party called the Khmer Rouge killed 2 million Cambodians in order to get control of the country
Search and Destroy
The enemy was not giving up The US never lost a major battle but it seemed the Vietcong were ready to pay any price for victory US soldiers dropped off in the jungle and told to look for VC (Vietcong) Burn villages - if there were no young men in the village then it was a VC - village, If there were a lot of young men, then it was a friendly village Kill the animals
Sinking Morale and Fulfilling a Duty
The frustration of guerilla warfare Brutal Jungle conditions Failure to make substantial headway against the enemy Took their toll on US troop morale Troops were required to fight a war they did not support Men turned to alcohol, marijuana and other drugs Low morale even led to a few soldiers to murder their superior officer Most soldiers, however, were strongly patriotic and believed in their cause of halting the spread of communism
Credibility Gap
The growing gap between what the Johnson Administration reported and what was really happening.
Hawks and Doves
Turmoil and division engulfed the country during the early years of the war President Johnson remained firm in his policy Those who strongly oppose the war were known as DOVES Those who support military action in Vietnam were known as HAWKS Despite the protestors more than 70% believed protesting the war was a sign of disloyalty
Kennedy Takes Over
Thought South Vietnam was important in battle against communism Diem moves Vietnamese peasants to special fortified villages. To protect them from aiding the Viet Cong called -Strategic Hamlets JFK increased financial aid to Diem's government Sent thousands of military advisors to train South Vietnamese troops
Teach-ins Begin
Throughout the spring of 1965, a number of colleges had "teach-ins" to protest the war SDS organized student marches in Washington Called for civil disobedience at selective service centers Encouraged students to flee to Canada
Women Join the Ranks
10,000 women served in Vietnam as nurses Many more volunteered in the Red Cross Also the (USO) United Services Organization
Vietnam Timeline 1961-1968
1961: Kennedy sends military advisors to train South Vietnamese. 1963: Diem government is overthrown. 1964: Gulf of Tonkin - US troops = 20,000 1965: Operation Rolling Thunder - bombing of North Vietnam. Over 180,000 U.S. troops in South Vietnam. 1967: Over 480,000 U.S. troops in South Vietnam. 1968: U.S. embassy attacked / Tet Offensive U.S. wins tactile fight but strategically realizes communists have not lost will to fight.
Operation Rolling Thunder
1st major bombing of North Vietnam by US forces
What gave all citizens age 18 and older the right to vote in all elections?
26th Amendment
Anger at the Draft
A manipulative draft Most soldiers who fought in Vietnam were called into combat by selective service How did the draft system work? -All 18 year old males had to register and local draft boards would call upon men 18-25 for military service Many young men found ways to legally dodge the draft Sympathetic doctors gave medical exceptions Change residence to stand before a more lenient draft board Some burned their draft cards Join the National Guard of Coast guard What was the most common way to avoid the draft; why was this unfair? -Go to college - this was unfair to those who could not afford college In the spring of 1967, a half-million protestors of all ages gathered in Central Park, New York Draft resistance continued until the 1970s President Nixon phased out the draft The anti-war movement grew beyond the college campuses A small number of Vietnam vets and folk singers began to protest the war
America Aids the French
After WWII The Vietminh declared they were now independent French Army move in to retake control The US sent 15 million in economic aid to the French America's involvement began in 1950 French trying to reestablish control over their former colony Why did we support the French? -France was a Cold War ally of the United States President Eisenhower continued to support the French Put forward the Domino Theory
Chemical Warfare
American could fight Vietcong better if they could not hide U.S. dropped Napalm -A jellied gasoline Agent Orange -A chemical that strips leaves from trees and shrubs Killed anything growing on farms or in the forest
Johnson Leaves the Race
Anti-war activists inside Democratic party wanted an anti-war candidate to challenge LBJ Robert Kennedy said no, but Eugene McCarthy agreed After the close New Hampshire primaries (Johnson slightly wins) Robert Kennedy declared his candidacy for President What were the two key points of President Johnson's address to the American people? -US would start negotiating an end to the Vietnam War -Johnson would not seek reelection for the Presidency in 1968
Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)
As America became more involved in the war in Vietnam College students became a powerful vocal group of protestors Students addressed campus issues such as dress codes, curfews, dorm regulations, and mandatory ROTC programs The onset of the Vietnam War provided a galvanizing issue and students joined together in protest. Founded by a group of teachers and students from the University of Michigan in March 1965. Discussed issues around the war.
The Antiwar Movement Emerges
As the war dragged on, support began to waiver Johnson's domestic programs started to unravel As the war became more costly the nation's economy began to suffer Inflation more than tripled to 5.5% Johnson asked for a tax increase What did Congress want in return for the new taxes? -A cut in Great Society programs Vietnam War was slowly tearing down the "Great Society" Through media, specifically television, Vietnam became the first living room war Combat footage appeared on the nightly newscast The"credibility gap" By 1967 Americans were evenly split over supporting and opposing the war
Vietnam War
At the time the longest military conflict in U.S. history (1965-1973). The hostilities in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia claimed the lives of more than 58,000 Americans. (Never invaded North Vietnam)
US Tactics
Attrition -Wear down the enemy Search & Destroy -Search villages for Vietcong Bomb supply routes -Cut off supplies of people, food, and weapons Chemical Warfare -Used Napalm & Agent Orange to destroy food and hiding places
Defeat at Dien Bien Phu
Battle of Dien Bien Phu (May 1954) Was a decisive French defeat This led to a French withdrawal from Vietnam
A Bloody Stalemate (Vietcong)
Because the Vietcong lacked high powered weaponry of the American forces, they used hit-and-run and ambush tactics. The Vietcong moved away from traditional front and attacked the US troops in both cities and countryside The Jungle terrain and the enemy's guerilla tactics turned the war into a frustrating stalemate Difficulty recognizing the enemy -Vietcong did not wear uniforms Tunnel system -Elaborate series of tunnels, Vietcong could attack from and also live in, store weapons and hide Booby Traps and landmines -Hidden explosives devices that made moving through the jungle very dangerous and slow.
African-Americans in Vietnam
Blacks made up 10% of the ground troops Blacks made up 20% of combat casualties African-American leaders protested Defense Department lowered the casualty rate to 12%
Guerilla Warfare
Blend in with surroundings "Home Field Advantage" - knew the environment and the challenges Small groups (sometimes armed civilians) use military tactics (ambushes, sabotage, surprise attacks) Very mobile and withdraw quickly
1968: THE PIVOTAL YEAR
Change and unrest marked 1968 Two U.S. leaders were assassinated Protest against a war surrounded a political convention First there was a surprise attack
Identify two reasons why the students opposed the war
Conflict in Vietnam was a civil war, US had no business being there South Vietnam was a corrupt dictatorship and defending a dictator was wrong
The Overthrow of Diem
Diem made himself more unpopular by discriminating against Buddhists Diem's police killed nine Buddhists during a protest Monk lights himself on fire to protest South Vietnam's government South Vietnamese President Diem was becoming more unpopular- which was not helping the U.S. at all (more sympathy to Viet Cong) Diem was eventually overthrown and assassinated on November 1, 1963 Diem's death brought more chaos to South Vietnam His death weakened South Vietnam's government
Violence on Campus
Disaster struck hardest at Kent State University in Ohio National Guardsmen killed 4 students when a protest rally got out of control Polls indicated that most of America supported the Guardsman What was the "hardhat" protest? -Construction workers who supported the war in Vietnam attacked anti-war protestors in New York City
Tunnels
Entrances were difficult to find The man at the firing post would start shooting when U.S. troops came along to warn people. They were built near water to provide an escape route. Some passages lead nowhere to confuse U.S. troops who may get inside They had access to food, water, sleep, medical supplies and munitions
The War's Impact on a Nation
Even after it ended, the Vietnam War remained a subject of controversy for Americans The war resulted in several major policy changes in the US Draft -The federal government stopped the draft and it has not been used since the Vietnam War War Powers Act Vietnam war caused Americans to have less trust in their government Thought nation's leaders misled them Together with Watergate made them more careful believing their leaders
Geneva Accords
Geneva Accords: Vietnam was divided in half in 1954, at the 17th parallel: -North Communist -South Democracy In the wake of France's defeat, the US took a more active role in Vietnam. South Vietnam's president was Ngo Dinh Diem was a strong anti-communist and supported the United States Why did he refuse to take part in nationwide elections in 1956? -Diem feared that he would lose the election to the communists Diem received economic and military aid from the US In return he provided a stable government in the south
Giap's Overall Goal
Giap was aware of the growing US peace movement and of the deep divisions the war was causing in American society. What the General needed was a body-blow that would break Washington's will to carry on. Wanted a quick and decisive victory that would be well in time for the 1968 US Presidential campaign.
The Pullout Begins: Vietnamization
Gradual withdrawal of US troops and then turning the fighting over to the South Vietnamese Army
Free Speech Movement
Grew out of a clash between students and University administrators at Berkeley in California over free speech on campus.
Vietcong Tactics
Guerilla Warfare -Hit and run tactics Tunnels -Elaborate system that made it difficult to find the Vietcong Booby Traps -Maimed and crippled troops
Tactics on both sides
Guerilla Warfare -Hit and run tactics Tunnels -Elaborate system that made it difficult to find the Vietcong Booby Traps -Maimed and crippled troops Attrition -Wear down the enemy Search & Destroy -Search villages for Vietcong Bomb supply routes -Cut off supplies of people, food, and weapons Chemical Warfare -Used Napalm & Agent Orange to destroy food and hiding places
Why doesn't Johnson order a full-scale invasion of North Vietnam?
He was afraid that China would enter the war.
Bomb Supply Routes
Ho Chi Minh Trail was the most popular -Did not work well since most of the routes were in Laos and Cambodia
America's Longest War Ends
In March 1972 the communists forces launched the largest attack since the Tet Offensive Nixon ordered a massive bombing campaign (Linebacker)
Light at the End of the Tunnel
In November 1967 General Westmoreland spearheaded a public relations drive for the Johnson administration to bolster flagging public support. In a speech before the National Press Club he said that a point in the war had been reached "where the end comes into view."
Tet Changes Public Opinion
In a matter of weeks the Tet offensive changed millions of minds about the war Media openly criticized the war Said U.S soldiers were dying in a war they could not win
Nixon Moves to End the War
In the summer of 1969, Nixon announces the first troop withdrawals The Pullout begins Nixon relied on his National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger
A Bloody Stalemate (US)
In the years following 1965 President Johnson (with support of American people) Began sending large numbers of American troops to help South Vietnam By the end of 1965 there were more than 180,000 US troops in Vietnam, In 1966 that number doubled U.S. entered Vietnam with great confidence Who was the commander of these men? -General William Westmoreland
American Involvement in Vietnam
Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) were ruled by the French Late 1800s until World War II- the French controlled these countries In 1940 Japan invaded and took control of Vietnam
Surprise Attack
January 30 was the equivalent of New year's Eve A weeklong truce was established for the Tet holiday On January 30, 1968 the Vietcong and the North Vietnamese launched a huge surprise attack 100 towns and cities were attacked 12 US air bases and the US embassy in Saigon 35 of 44 provincial capitals including the ancient city of Hue. The Tet Offensive continued for about a month before US and ARVN forces regained control of the cities
Attack on US Embassy
January 31, 1968 19 VC commandos blew their way through the outer walls of the Embassy and overran the five MP's on duty. 2 MP's were killed as the VC tried to blast their way through the main Embassy doors with anti-tank rockets.
Johnson and Vietnam
Johnson escalated the nation's role in Vietnam Eventually would become America's longest war On August 2, 1964 a North Vietnamese patrol boat fired a torpedo at a American Destroyer USS Maddox 2 days later, the ship was supposedly fired on again This attack prompted Johnson to begin bombing North Vietnam He asked Congress for power to protect American troops Gulf of Tonkin Resolution August 7, 1964 While not a declaration of war, it granted Johnson broad military powers in Vietnam Operation Rolling Thunder Due to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, President Johnson was able to send Marines to Da Nang in South Vietnam
The Final Push
Kissinger's plan for North Vietnamese troops to leave the south was unacceptable Talks broke off What did Nixon do to bring them back? -Ordered a massive bombing of North Vietnam that became known as the "Christmas Bombings" It worked and with the help of Moscow a peace agreement was made on January 27,1973 Peace with honor Last US troops left on March 29, 1973
Laos
Laos became destabilized after years of bombing and became communist As President Eisenhower predicted after the fall of South Vietnam countries fell to communists one after the others
Negotiations
Linkage -Policy of improving relations with the Soviet Union and China in hopes of them to cut back aid to North Vietnam August 1969 Kissinger starts secret negotiations with North Vietnam
What were the results of the attack?
Militarily - big loss for the Vietcong (32,001) killed Politically - psychological and political win for the Vietcong - showed that VC still had a lot of fight in them
Who were the Viet Cong?
Name of brutal communists group in South Vietnam, also called the National Liberation Front.
What was the Ho Chi Minh Trail?
Nickname for a series of trails and roads from North Vietnam that supplied the Viet Cong with weapons.
Peace with Honor
Nixon intended to maintain US dignity in the face of withdrawal from war Nixon intensified the bombing of supply routes of North Vietnam Used what he called the madman theory
Turmoil at Home Continues
Nixon relied on the support of the Silent Majority Moderate mainstream Americans who supported the war
Results
Nixon wins by 500,000 votes Over 100 electoral votes
The Ho Chi Minh Trail
North Vietnamese support was a major factor in Vietcong's war effort Weapons, advisers and leadership were provided Supplies sent along a series of jungle paths The trail went through Cambodia and Laos Westmoreland's strategy was to destroy the morale of the Vietcong through war of attrition(gradual wearing down) Rather than focusing on what U.S. soldiers had won and Viet Cong had lost, U.S. troops used body counts (statistics on the number of enemy killed) as proof of their success
The Invasion of Cambodia
On April 30, 1970 President Nixon announced that US troops had invaded Cambodia Did this to clear out North Vietnamese and Vietcong supply lines How did colleges react? -1.5 million went on strike and shut down 1200 campuses What did Congress do as a result of the invasion of Cambodia? -Repeal the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
The Domino Effect: The fall of Saigon
On April 30, 1975 North Vietnamese tanks rolled into Saigon After a massive offensive South Vietnam surrendered
A Season of Violence
On April 4, 1968 James Earl Ray assassinated Dr. Martin Luther King Robert Kennedy's campaign was gaining support Won California primary June 1968, until Sirhan Sirhan assassinated him on June 5 why? Kennedy's support of Israel The nation's college campuses continued to protest Columbia University in New York The race was between Eugene McCarthy (dove) and Hubert Humphrey (hawk) Why was Hubert Humphrey the clear favorite? He was a loyal democrat who had president Johnson's support The chaos and violence climaxed in August Thousands of anti-war protestors converged on Chicago for the DNC 10,000 protestors arrived to voice their anti-war platform Some came to provoke violence (yippies - youth international movement) What happened at the DNC? Protestors clashed with police and it was shown on TV
The Mai Lai Massacre
On March 16, 1968, a US platoon under the command of Lt. William Calley massacres innocent civilians Small village of Mai Lai in South Vietnam Lt. Calley was eventually court martialed and imprisoned
Nixon Wins the Presidency
One beneficiary of the turmoil was Richard Nixon Nixon campaigned on promises of law and order and an end to the war What role did George Wallace play? -The spoiler role- ran as an segregationist and took 5 southern states helped Nixon win
Domino Theory
One country falls to communism this will lead to the next and so on
Growth of Vietnamese Nationalism
Who was Ho Chi Minh and the Vietminh? -Vietminh were communists who wanted to create an independent Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh was their leader. Ho Chi Minh spent several years in Soviet Union and China During WWII, Ho Chi Minh had helped the U.S. fight the Japanese
