Chapter 13: Johnson's Policy in Vietnam Flashcards
When did Johnson become President?
1963
What were his aims upon becoming President?
In the early months, he was cautious because there was a Presidential election in 1964, and he wanted to grant the USA a quick, decisive victory. Did not want the War to become ‘Americanised’.
What was Oplan 34A?
Johnson agreed to implement it January 1964. It was a strategy based on progressively escalating pressure to inflict increasing punishment on North Vietnam, designed to force Hanoi to desist from its aggressive policies.
What was Johnson’s strategy?
He continued Kennedy’s approach of increasing military advisors and counterinsurgendy strategy; tactics used to defeat guerilla/unconventional warefare: focus on intelligence gathering, targetting individual leaders and methods aimed at infiltrating enemy rather than confronting head on.
What was the French attitude to Johnson’s policy?
Charles De Galle (French leader) warned Johnson that increased involvement could lead to a repeat of France’s failure in Indochina. France believed in neutralism (cutting all military links with SV, leaving it open to NV).
What was a factor for Johnson’s delay to have significant involvement in the War by mid 1964?
A lack of international support. There was also concern about South Vietnam’s capacity for War.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution?
August 1964
News of an attack on a US naval vessel by a North Vietnamese force in the Gulf of Tonkin. So, congress presented Johnson with the power to do whatever necessary to protect the US from further aggression: gave Johnson the absolute freedom to do whatever he wanted without consulting congress. He ordered bombing of North Vietnamese naval bases.
What was the status of the US in the Vietnam War by the end of 1964?
Deteriorating for the USA: China set up links with the NLF, military equipment sent, first NV military forces moved down Ho Chi Minh trail, Vietcong strengthening their position in SV, bombing response to Gulf of Tonkin failed to bolster SV government, rise of anti-American feelings and ARVN were in a state of morale due to poor leadership, poor pay and inadequate training.
What was the result of Johnson’s victory in the Presidential election?
He had no inclination to move towards a diplomatic settlement and was convinced that, faced with USA’s military and economic strength, North Vietnam might back down.
What offers to end the War did the US reject?
UN Secretary General U Thant offered to arrange talks, Canadians offered to help, and Hanoi sent out subtle indications it was willing to negotiate.
What was Operation Rolling Thunder?
1965 February
After a Vietcong attack on army barracks and US helicopter base in Pleiku, followed by further attacks, Johnson ordered Operation Rolling Thunder. It was a bombing campaign in the years 1965 to 1968. It marked the start of the Americanisation of War and its escalation in terms of US involvement.
In a speech April 1965, what reasons did Johnson give for not leaving Vietnam?
People’s wellbeing around the globe rests on the belief that they can count on us if they are attacked, to leave Vietnam would shake their confidence and the result would be increased unrest and instability.
What happened the day after Johnson made his speech about not leaving Vietnam?
North Vietnam offered a 4 point proposal (US troops withdraw, North and South cannot enter any military alliance with a foreign power, SV internal affairs must be settled by the people of S Vietnam, and peaceful reunification of Vietnam must be settled only be the people of both zones).
Why did Johnson reject the 4 point proposal?
Believed that it would have led to a unified communist Vietnam. Instead, he escalated US military role, publicly announced it in July.
When did US combat troops arrive?
Near Danang March 1965.
