Confrontation and Cooperation, c1963–1972: Confrontation in the Vietnam War - Johnson's Policy in Vietnam Flashcards
When does Lyndon B. Johnson become president?
- 22 November, 1963
Why did Johnson become president?
- Kennedy was assassinated on 22 November, 1963
Situation that Johnson inherits in 1963
By 1965 there were 60,000 communist guerrillas in the South supplied by the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
By 1964, 35% of South Vietnam was in Vietcong hands.
What were Johnson’s main aims with regards to the Vietnam War?
- 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 - firm believer in domino theory
Define the term Americanisation
- Situation where the US would have primary control of the direction of the war
- South Vietnamese government and army serve US policies
What strategy did Johnson agree to, outlining his initial aims?
- OPLAN 34A
What was OPLAN 34A and its aims?
- 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
How did Johnson continue Kennedy’s policies in Vietnam?
- Increased the number of military advisers
- Kept to counterinsurgency strategy
Outline the increase in military advisers under Johnson
- The number of military advisers increased from 16,000 to 23,000 under Johnson
Define the term counterinsurgency
- Tactics used to defeat guerrilla warfare
- Involves intelligence gathering
- Targeting leaders
- Methods aimed at infiltrating enemy rather than direct confrontation
What did the US’ European allies and the international community think of Johnson’s policies?
- Not convinced of Johnson’s approach ???
- International support began to diminish
What advice did France’s leader, General Charles de Gaulle, give Johnson in relation to increased involvement in Vietnam?
- Warned Johnson that increased involvement could lead to a repeat of France’s defeats in Indochina ???
How confident was the US in thinking that South Vietnam could conduct a war?
- Uncertain about South Vietnam’s capacity and determination ???
- Largely due to South Vietnam’s consideration of neutralism
Define the term neutralism
- 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 ???
How did the lack of international support impact Johnson’s policies?
- Johnson delayed drastic escalation by mid-1964 ???
What was LBJ’s policy on Vietnam between 1963-64?
Offering financial and military aid to the South- carrying on JFK’s policy
What events triggered Johnson to escalate the war in Vietnam?
- Gulf of Tonkin incident
- Tough anti-communist opposition in 1964 election race, Barry Goldwater, increases pressure
When was the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
- 2 August 1964
What was the Gulf of Tonkin
USS Maddox, US ship, and USS Turner Joy (allegedly) were attacked by North Vietnamese torpedo boats, increasing anti-communist pressure
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Aug 1964
permitted LBJ to take any measures necessary to retaliate to keep security
How did LBJ describe the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Like Grandma’s nightshirt, because it covered everything
When were the first US combat troops introduced
1965
When was Operation Rolling Thunder
1965-68
What was Operation Rolling Thunder in response to
Feb 1965
Vietcong attack on US base at Pleiku: 9 servicemen killed and 5 helicopters destroyed
What was Operation Rolling Thunder’s aim
To weaken the PAVN (approx 1 million tons of bombs dropped on Vietnam)
How much was the war costing LBJ a day by the end of his presidency
$60 million / day
By the end of LBJ’s presidency, how many US troops were in Vietnam
565,000 (shows massive escalation since 1965)
In Sept 1964 how many PRC (Chinese) troops were location in south China, near Vietnam
300,000-500,000
In 1964 China provided …. guns and in 1969 provided …. guns
1964: 80,000
1969: 139,000
Escalation!
How do Soviets intervene in Vietnam during LBJ’s presidency
Provided missiles with MiG-21 jets
When was the TET offensive
Jan - Sept 1968
What was the TET offensive
simultaneous military attacks launched by Vietcong against US targets in the South, designed to create a rebellion. Failure for North as it failed and Vietcong decimated, 25,000 dead.
What did the TET offensive show to the US public
For the US it highlighted the stalemate situation and ended hopes of swift victory.
Showed to US public they weren’t doing as well as thought - increased anti-war sentiment
When was the My Lai massacre
March 1968
What was the My Lai massacre
US soldiers brutally killed over 500 civilians, unprovoked, in the village of My Lai
Supposedly in search for VC
What was the impact of the My Lai massacre
The story breaking in 1969, resulted in cultural change
Was a reason for vietnamisation
When were the Pentagon Protests
1967
What were the Pentagon Protests
50,000 peacefully marched to Pentagon in protest of the conflict
