Confrontation and Cooperation, c1963–1972: Confrontation in the Vietnam War - Johnson's Policy in Vietnam

Question 1

When does Lyndon B. Johnson become president?

Answer 1

• 22 November, 1963

Question 2

Why did Johnson become president?

Answer 2

• Kennedy was assassinated on 22 November, 1963

Question 3

What were Johnson’s main aims with regards to the Vietnam War?

Answer 3

• Win the war quickly, without it being Americanised
• Pressurise North Vietnam to desist military action in South Vietnam
• Don’t commit to negotiations with North Vietnam, in fears of a united communist Vietnam

Question 4

Define the term Americanisation

Answer 4

• Situation where the US would have primary control of the direction of the war
• South Vietnamese government and army serve US policies

Question 5

What strategy did Johnson agree to, outlining his initial aims?

Answer 5

• OPLAN 34A

Question 6

What was OPLAN 34A and its aims?

Answer 6

• Classified US strategy based on covert action involving commando raids, aerial reconnaissance missions and naval sabotage operations
• To increase pressure on North Vietnam to desist from its aggressive policies

Question 7

How did Johnson continue Kennedy’s policies in Vietnam?

Answer 7

• Increased the number of military advisers

- Kept to counterinsurgency strategy

Question 8

Outline the increase in military advisers under Johnson

Answer 8

• The number of military advisers increased from 16,300 to 23,300 under Johnson

Question 9

Define the term counterinsurgency

Answer 9

• Tactics used to defeat guerrilla warfare
• Involves intelligence gathering
• Targeting leaders
• Methods aimed at infiltrating enemy rather than direct confrontation

Question 10

What did the US’ European allies and the international community think of Johnson’s policies?

Answer 10

• Not convinced of Johnson’s approach

- International support began to diminish

Question 11

What advice did France’s leader, General Charles de Gaulle, give Johnson in relation to increased involvement in Vietnam?

Answer 11

• Warned Johnson that increased involvement could lead to a repeat of France’s defeats in Indochina

Question 12

How confident was the US in thinking that South Vietnam could conduct a war?

Answer 12

• Uncertain about South Vietnam’s capacity and determination

- Largely due to South Vietnam’s consideration of neutralism

Question 13

Define the term neutralism

Answer 13

• Scheme proposed by France
• Called for negotiated settlement, which would end all South Vietnam’s external military links
• Would leave South Vietnam exposed to North Vietnam

Question 14

How did the lack of international support impact Johnson’s policies?

Answer 14

• Johnson delayed drastic escalation by mid-1964

Question 15

What event triggered Johnson to escalate the war in Vietnam?

Answer 15

• Gulf of Tonkin incident

Question 16

When was the Gulf of Tonkin incident?

Answer 16

• 2 August 1964