Post on 29-Dec-2015
Remembered Forever: The Era of the Vietnam War
By: Lauren McDevitt, Caitlin Harrison, By: Lauren McDevitt, Caitlin Harrison, James Holston, Michael DoJames Holston, Michael Do
French Colonial Control
Ruled harshly Also controlled Cambodia and Laos Did not support Communism September 2, 1945- Vietnamese
independence North and South split after
independence Non communist South Communist North
Communism American Views Vietnam
Reaction: Kennedy- tried to
make Vietnam a democracy
Wanted to remodel in image of U.S. government
U.S. policy of containment U.S. tried to
“contain” communism in Asia
Northern half of country supported Communism Led by Ho Chi Minh-
communist Southern half opposed
Led by Ngo Diem- democracy
Often fighting broke out
Buddhists burned themselves in protest
Help to split people of Vietnam apart
Think About It- Why would the United States want to contain communism in Asia?
Gulf of Tonkin
August 1964 U.S. intelligence mission U.S. naval ship was attacked by torpedo
boats destroyed N. Vietnam navy
Day after another attack Never confirmed
President- Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Gave president some warfare power Power to declare war if needed
Guerrilla Warfare
An activity runs military operations by using terrorism and sabotage techniques
Commonly used in North Called “Viet Cong”
Bases- located in small forts in woods or forests
Lived and worked with civilians A Guerrilla setting traps on a road to hopefully blow up a passing truck.
North VS. South
North: Ho Chi Minh Aided by Soviet Union and China Harsh rule
South: Ngo Diem
Assassinated Corrupt government Aided by America
Think about it- What major events helped to start the war? Do you think that this alone was enough to start it?
U.S. Involvement: Naval
Controlled by Pentagon Used even after Gulf of Tonkin Blocked North Vietnam
Supplies in or out This picture shows the crowded journey the troops had to make from America to Vietnam
U.S. Involvement: Air
Air Force Total control Dropped bombs
More bombs on Vietnam than all of WWII Dropped chemicals
Agent Orange
American troops used helicopters to travel over the rough terrain of Vietnam
U.S. Involvement: Land
Conventional warfare More time training than fighting Draftees outnumbered volunteers Had problems with civilians
Couldn’t tell difference between N. Vietnam soldiers
“Search and destroy” method
U.S. Involvement: Advantages Great wealth Modern weapons
Technology Professional military
Think about it- What side did the U.S. help? Do you think we were right to get involved?
Divisions in America
Anti-war activists Doves Believed war was wrong
Pro-war activists Hawks Believed US should fight for freedom in
Vietnam
Think about it- Do you side with the Doves or Hawks? Why?
1.8 million men drafted during course of war
Draft Lottery
The Draft
Avoiding the Draft
Some men with families
Apply for conscientious objector
Go to college
Picked draftees by birthdays
Anti-War Protests
Peaceful Marches, calm demonstrations Example: The March Against Death
Violent Riots Police used to subdue crowds Example: Kent State University
Shootings
End of the War: Battles and Operations First Battle of Saigon:
First attempt to end the war Eastern Side Offensive:
An attempt to end the war Fall of Saigon:
NVA won Ended the war
John F. Kennedy
Lyndon B. Johnson
Sent Helicopters Was Assassinated
Was Pres. After Kennedy
He didn’t wantTo lose
Richard Nixon
Organized secretbombings
Approved linebacker II
American involvementDeclined
Presidents
Added Green Beret
Main reason why U.S.was involved inVietnam War
These presidents were all involved in the long Vietnam War.
Pulling Out Troops
Cease-fire signed in Paris-1973 Went into effect in January
Richard Nixon pulled troops out gradually 2 troop withdraws Pulled out troops because they were
scared of a blood shed (end)
American Army
Fought side by side with SVA Tried to stop spread of communism
Afraid Vietnam would become communist country Domino Theory Concerned for people near/in Vietnam
Gave weapons/trained Vietnamese
South Vietnam Army (SVA)
Fought for their freedom Were not trained
Didn’t know anything about fighting or war
Most men were drafted Any male older than 18
Post-War Casualties
United States: Dead: 58,209 Missing: 2,489 Wounded: 153,303
South Vietnamese: Dead: 220,357 Wounded: 1,170,000
North Vietnamese: Dead and missing: 1,176,000 Wounded: 600,000 and more
Symbolism of the people who were lost to the war.
Veterans
Not welcomed home Verbally attacked by opponents of war Mental breakdowns
Shell shock Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
30% of homeless were Vietnam Veterans by the 1980s
Physical Disabilities Malaria Infections to feet Agent OrangeThink about it- Why do you
think veterans were treated this way? Why were they effected this way?
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Called “The Wall” National design contest Design was controversial Highly polished black granite in sloping
v-shape Washington D.C.-1982 One of nation’s most visited monuments