How did the Iraqi people feel about the war as it occurred?

• In 2004, nearly half of the country believed it was good that the U.S. had invaded Iraq– By 2007, 63% of Iraqis thought it was a BAD idea

• In 2005, 82% of polled Iraqis said that they did not want U.S. troops in Iraq– 67% thought they were less secure having

American troops in their country

Vietnam War

Building Up To War & Early Problems

Fighting Breaks Out

• In response to South Vietnam’s refusal to take part in the election of 1956, Ho Chi Minh and North Vietnam established the Vietcong– North Vietnam’s guerilla army– Made most of their attacks in South Vietnam

• US begins to send military advisers to help train South Vietnamese forces– NOT to supposed to engage the enemy

Ngo Dinh Diem

• Not very popular amongst Vietnamese people– Corrupt– Restricted Buddhists freedom

to practice religion• Diem was Catholic• Buddhism was one of the

largest religions of Vietnam

Ngo Dinh Diem

• Unpopularity led to growing support for the Vietcong & North Vietnam

• US supported a military coup– Overthrow of a leader/

government by the military

• Diem was executed

US Stays the Course

• South Vietnamese population continues shifting their support toward the North (and Communism)

• U.S. decides to continue its efforts to protect South Vietnam– Why?– Containment/Domino Theory!

Quick Review1. What was the name of the guerilla force created

by North Vietnam?

2. How did most of the Vietnamese people feel about Ngo Dinh Diem?

3. What happened to Ngo Dinh Diem?

4. Why did the U.S. continue to support South Vietnam after having issues with its government?

Vietcong

Didn’t like him

Executed

Still didn’t want Vietnam to be come Communist

Group Discussion Topic• Each group will need a half sheet of paper– Create a “T” chart on your half sheet

As we discussed in today’s notes, the U.S. began to lose the support of the Vietnamese people early on in the war.

When the U.S. is fighting to support or defend another country, but we don’t have their support, what are we to do?

Group Discussion Task

• Reasons why the U.S. should STILL continue to fight for a country that no longer wants our help

• Reasons why the U.S. should STOP fighting a wary for a country that no longer wants our help

With your group members, discuss (and write down) your thoughts and ideas about: