3.2: Escalation of the conflict under Johnson Flashcards
What was Johnson’s aims and problems
Aim:Stop spread of communism
Problems: communist vietnam was growing stronger
Aim: Establish democratic government in South Vietnam supported by the poeple
Problems: South Vietnam governemnt weak and unpopular
Aim: Ensured thst teh situation did not deteriorate into nuclear war
Problem: USSR has nuclear capability
Why was there an increasing threat of the Vietcong during Johnson’s rule
VC become more popular and organised as ordinary civilians and South rural Buddhist monks sympathised for them to end American imperialism onto Vietnam.
South Vietnam angry of USA and policies such as Strateguc Hamlet program
North Vietnam sent supplies provided by USSR and China
What was the Gulf of Tonkin incident
Two US naval ships reported attacks by North Vietnamese torpedo boats off the North Vietnamese coast
This was cause dby:
US advisors in Vietnam increasing through Johnson
Regular US patrols by ships in the Gulf of Tonkin
US involvement in ARVN raids in the North of Vietnam
When was the Gulf of Tonkin incident
August 1964
Comsequences of the Gulf of Tonkin incident
Johnson ordered air strikes against the North Vietnam
Congress passes Gulf of Tonkin resolution , allowing Johnson to use armed forces to defend South Vietnam and US troops.
North Vietnam expanded their influence in the South
What was the Ho Chi Minh Trail
China supported the VC through sending supplies and troops via the Ho Chi Minh trail. It is a very extensive and complex tunnel system.
By 1974 some areas were navigated and had facilities (hospitals,weapon stores)
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
10 August 1964- Johnson was given the power to escalate the war in Vietnam without consulting Congress following the Gulf of Tonkin incident.
Lack of support from Congress was overcome
