Cold War Context & US Presidents’ Roles in Vietnam

Question 1

What was the Cold War and how did it relate to Vietnam?

Answer 1

• A global ideological conflict between capitalism (USA) and communism (USSR) from 1947–1991.
• No direct war between superpowers — fought through proxy wars (like Korea and Vietnam).
• Vietnam became a battleground for influence in Southeast Asia.
• The US believed any gain for communism was a loss for democracy.
• Led to the Domino Theory — that if one country fell to communism, others would follow.

Question 2

How did the spread of communism in Asia affect US thinking?

Answer 2

• China became communist in 1949 under Mao — massive shift in global power.
• North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, triggering the Korean War (1950–53) — US fought to stop it.
• Communist insurgencies emerged in places like Malaya, Indonesia, Laos.
• The US feared Southeast Asia would become “Red Asia.”
• Vietnam became a critical test case for containing communism.

Question 3

hat was the Domino Theory, and how did it influence Eisenhower’s view of Vietnam?

Answer 3

• Domino Theory = The idea that if one country fell to communism, its neighbours would quickly follow — like falling dominoes.
• Eisenhower introduced it in 1954, after the Geneva Agreement and the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu.
• He believed if Ho Chi Minh became president of a united Vietnam, the whole region (e.g. Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, even India) might fall to communism.
• This fear made Eisenhower refuse to support the 1956 elections, because Ho Chi Minh was expected to win by 80% — and he was a communist.
• Instead, the US supported Diem’s regime in South Vietnam, giving over $1.6 billion in aid to build a non-communist, pro-Western government.

Question 4

Why was there fear of communism in the USA during the 1950s?

Answer 4

• Americans feared a communist takeover at home and abroad — seen as anti-American and anti-freedom.
• USSR’s nuclear weapons (from 1949) intensified the panic.
• Many believed there were communist spies inside US institutions (e.g., Rosenbergs, Hiss case).
• Fear driven by media, politicians, and Cold War propaganda.
• Led to a political culture of paranoia, suspicion, and harsh anti-communist policies.

Question 5

What was McCarthyism and how did it shape US attitudes?

Answer 5

• Named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led a witch-hunt for communists in US government (1950–54).
• Thousands were accused without evidence — careers and lives ruined.
• Created a climate of fear and hyper-patriotism — being soft on communism was political suicide.
• Influenced foreign policy: Vietnam intervention was seen as essential to avoid looking weak.
• Even after McCarthy fell in 1954, anti-communist attitudes remained powerful in US politics.

Question 6

How did Eisenhower deal with Vietnam (1953–1961)?

Answer 6

• Adopted the Domino Theory — believed losing Vietnam would trigger regional collapse.
• Sent $1.6 billion in aid to support Diem’s regime (1955–1960), mostly military.
• Refused to support 1956 elections — feared Ho Chi Minh would win.
• Established SEATO (1954) to build an anti-communist alliance in Southeast Asia.
• Avoided sending combat troops — believed US should support, not directly fight.

Question 7

What were Eisenhower’s views on Vietnam and communism?

Answer 7

• Strongly anti-communist — saw Vietnam as part of a global Cold War battle.
• Coined and promoted the Domino Theory in 1954.
• Believed in indirect support (money, advisors) rather than military intervention.
• Thought Diem was a poor leader, but better than letting communists win.
• Warned privately that Vietnam could be a difficult war to win.

Question 8

How did Kennedy increase US involvement in Vietnam (1961–1963)?

Answer 8

• Saw Vietnam as a Cold War front line — wanted to look tough after Bay of Pigs (1961).
• Increased number of US military advisors from 800 to over 16,000.
• Backed Strategic Hamlet Program (1962) to cut off Vietcong from rural support.
• Initially supported Diem but grew disillusioned — allowed coup in Nov 1963.
• Never sent US combat troops, but paved the way for escalation after his death.

Question 9

What were Kennedy’s beliefs and views on Vietnam?

Answer 9

• Believed in “flexible response” — a Cold War strategy using military, economic, and diplomatic tools.
• Wanted to contain communism but avoid direct war if possible.
• Believed US could build Diem’s regime into a strong anti-communist state.
• Worried about losing credibility after Cuba — didn’t want to look weak on Vietnam.
• By 1963, saw Diem as a liability — approved a coup, but wasn’t fully prepared for the chaos that followed.