Test 3 Flashcards
Describe the origin of conflict in Greece at the beginning of the Cold War
Conflict had been building during WWII, divide amongst communist and non communists orientated resistance groups.
Once common enemy is gone they set upon each other.
British had occupation force but cannot maintain it.
What motivated our concern with Greece at the beginning of the Cold War
Greek communists were getting weapons and money funneled through Yugoslavia
Truman was concerned that the communists would win, and the SU communist regime would have access to mediterranean and have dagger pointed toward Turkey.
Dean Acheson, Secretary of State, said we must do something. Truman embraces the policy of containment
Truman wants to intervene in Greece. How does he do so?
Needs authorization from Congress. To sell to his constituents, gives Truman Doctrine Speech.
US must commit itself to supporting free peoples resisting attempted subjugation - we don’t want the cradle of democracy to crumble
Spells out American policy for the Cold War for the next two to three decades
How did we intervene in Greece? What was the result?
Sent weapons, money, advisors (not war)
Non-communists eventually won with our support in brutal fighting
Some of Greece is still communist to this day and resents the US
Describe the state of Europe after WWII. What was the US concern?
A destroyed continent, war caused devolved nations and displaced persons, difficult winters and political chaos.
It was apparent that if this continues Europe is going to go in the direction of desperate poverty.
How did the US respond to the economic crisis in Europe post WWII?
The Marshall Plan. To Europe “Tell us what you need”.
George Marshall was the current Secretary of State and believed the US needed to sponsor a program.
What were the reasons behind the Marshall Plan?
1) Help the US Economy, most of our exports go to Europe and we need their economy in good shape
2) Only with strong economies will countries be able to ward off SU and communism (containment)
3) PR program for US
What was the key country in the Marshall Plan? Why?
Germany. Potential strongest country in Europe with an uneasy division along occupation zones.
Germany was drifting toward permanent division, and revitalizing it would antagonize the Soviets and hopefully avoid that division.
Describe the Soviet participation in the Marshall plan
US offered them participation but they turned it down and created the molotov plan to rebuild Eastern Europe, it didn’t go anywhere.
Marshall plan becomes Western European orientated, which is what we wanted
Why was the Marshall plan a hard sell?
17 billion dollar plan that could be perceived as just a giveaway program
What eventually sold the Marshall Plan?
Events in Czechoslovakia, where communists killed prominent leaders and took power by force
Czechoslovakia could be thought of the doorway to the west, and the recent history with the Munich pact added extra baggage.
How successful was the Marshall Plan?
Very successful, saw a 33% increase in GDP with 13.5 billion spent
Describe the significance of the Marshall Plan from a US historical perspective at that point
Would never in the past have done this, it showed how the American economic concept could succeed, provided economic containment and postured as altruism
What were the two major changes to the US armed forces by Truman after WWII?
National Security Act and Executive Order 9981
Describe the National Security Act
Reorganized the armed forces.
1) Creates independent Air Force not part of Army
2) Creates department of Defense
3) Creates joint chiefs of staff
4) Creates the Central Intelligence Agency
Describe the Department of defense
All other services are subservient to DOD
Adds cabinet member secretary of Defense
Describe the joint chiefs of staff
Chairman of the join chiefs is theoretically the president’s number one military advisor, but in reality it is usually the secretary of defense
Supposed to rotate between branches but it’s up to the president
Describe executive order 9981
Desegregates the armed forces
Beginning of more opportunity for African Americans, and allows for greater talent base
Soviet action in Berlin by Stalin
Blockade, Stalin didn’t want the western allies in Berlin
No more road, water, or rail access
What were the options for Truman after the Soviet blockade of Berlin?
Option 1: go to war, you have a right to be in west Berlin
Soviets have 100 divisions in eastern europe, we have around 1
War scare
Option 2: leave Western Berlin
not really containment
Option 3: airlift supplies
Describe the Berlin airlift
Chancy, had to do it on the fly a round the clock airlift with many logistic challenges
Food, clothing, medicine, operation little vittles
Aided the American brand and went on for a year, soviets eventually realize the western Berliners are better off than they were before
A lot of time American presidents choose the middle choice for following containment
Emergence of NATO, description
As conflict in Berlin is occurring
First military alliance in peacetime, between Non communists states in Europe with some exceptions (Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland)
Millions of Americans will serve in europe
Events in the Middle East post WWII
Restlessness in North Africa and Middle East
-Ottoman Empire was authority until end of WWI
WWII accelerated the pace of Arab and jewish nationalism that led to a showdown in Palestine
Survivors of holocaust wanted to go to palestine, considered it their homeland, didn’t feel welcome in Europe
-led to zionist movement, potential civil war in palestine
GB changes in involvement in the Middle East post WWII
Withdrew from their responsibilities due to domestic concerns. Turned the problem of a palestine civil war over to UN
UN involvement in Middle East
Russia just wants to make serious inroads for oil, America is ambivalent. Three major powers pledge to leave Iran which had been jointly occupied in the war
Conundrum for US in Palestine post WWII
We cannot associate ourselves with the establishment of jewish homeland in Palestine as we need good relations with the Arabs, but it is a moral question of whether we need to stand up for the Jews.
We also cannot yield the ground to soviets and allow soviet expansion in the Middle East.
Truman is hearing passionate arguments from both sides
Israeli war of independence
Israelis declare independence, starts a war
Arab neighbors immediately attack, they were given a compromise but wanted the whole thing
Israelis win, conquer large amount of land
Worlds reaction to Israeli war of Independence
US first to recognize as legitimate country, SU was second for more immoral reasons
American involvement in Chinese Civil War
Marshall had gone to China to try and broker a settlement but it was a dismal failure
Truman administration didn’t want communists to win but didn’t want to get involved in a major war on Asian Continent right after WWII
Result of Chinese Civil War
Communists won, Chiang Kai Shek left to Taiwan
China was our ally, now they weren’t. America is stunned.
Massive turning point in the Cold War, shifted the focus to Europe
Domestic actions by US after WWII, Trumans first term
What led to post war economic boom?
Servicemen’s Readjustment act or GI Bill
6 billion dollar tax cut
Taft Hartley act
First two led to post war economic boom
Servicemen’s readjustment act or GI Bill
Rewarded veterans for their service:
Health benefits, establishment of VA, Loans, Educational benefits (showed how American life had changed from when land used to be the valuable thing)
6 billion dollar tax cut Truman
Leads to massive job creation and business growth; had been pent up demand during the war for consumer products
Taft Hartly act
Vetoed by Truman but overridden, ended closed shops (compulsory union membership)
Allowed the president to delay any strike that might endanger national safety or health
Truman and Civil Rights
Had been a civil rights explosion post WWII:
baseball desegregated, anti lynching laws
Truman believes in full equality for American citizens, but doesn’t want to split his party. Eventually he decides to be pro civil rights, which does split the party into the Dixiecrats who claim desegregation wouldn’t work.
Truman’s 1948 election
Dixiecrats are new form of pro-segregationist democrats.
Thomas Dewey is republican candidate, seems like he will win but Truman barely wins in big upset through tireless campaigning
Trumans goals for “Fair Deal”
Wants Nationalized healthcare, public housing, social security, repealing taft Hartley
Gets expansion of Social security benefits, public housing, permission of congress to admit 200,000 displaced persons
What two events in 1949 set the tone for Trumans second term?
Russia detonating their first nuclear bomb, and the communists winning the Chinese civil war
Led to a crisis of confidence
What were the two main beliefs in the US with regard to the increasing communist threat?
That the main communist weapon is subversion, and that the only way the US could lose the Cold War is subversion
What was the influence of the GI Bill on education?
Higher education is democratized, no longer for the elite. Changed the culture of campus (no hazing vets)
Describe the actions taken in due to early red scare hysteria
The Federal employee loyalty program made people pledge they were not affiliated with the communist party
Alger Hiss is accused of being a communist by a former communist
-The American activities committee formed earlier investigates him
Joseph Macarthy sees anti-communism as a issue he could build a constituency on and begins sowing fear and making general reckless accusations
Go into more depth on Joseph Macarthy
Republican, former marine intel officer
Makes a speech declaring having a list of 205 communists high in the Truman administration
Subpoenas people using power of federal government, sells a big conspiracy
Kingmaker for candidates, endorses some and condemns others
Creates a poisonous politcal environment
What was the very important Truman policy initiative that set the stage for the Cold War?
NSC 68
Calls for
1) Immediate military buildup on the part of the United States and its allies
2) Assume defense of the non communist or free world
35 billion dollar defense budget, showed that the cost for containment would be high in both bodies and money
Korea at end of WWII
Had been taken control by Japan, jointly occupied by Roosevelt and Stalin at end of WWII
Setup to Korean War
We had sent two divisions at end of WWII to disarm Japanese soldiers and quell civil war
Communists (Kim Il Sung) had Pyongyang and Anticommunists (Syngman Rhee) had Seoul
As Cold War sets in the Soviets support the north and we support the south, though not as much which created an imbalance of power towards the north
How did the invasion of South Korea start?
Kim Il Sung traveled to Moscow and Beijing asking for support to launch war against South Korea, both give permission (esp Mao, who will be more influential)
The communists powers believe that since USA didn’t provide the South Koreans with many weapons, we won’t be invested in a war
Describe the invasion of South Korea (militarily)
Three pronged attack: One for Seoul, one down central spine, one down coastline.
North Korean Army is crashing down border with hardly any resistance, Seoul goes down
Trumans reaction to the invasion of South Korea
He is obligated to get involved per NSC 68.
The crisis allows him to do three things:
1) Pursue containment (after initially deploying air strikes we realize we need boots on the ground)
2) Use US navy power to strengthen Taiwan (concern that South Korea is first of many moves by Communist power)
3) Prove to the Mcarthyists that he is tough on communism
UN involvement Korean War
The war in Korea will be decided by the UN Security Council
China doesn’t get a vote and the Soviets are boycotting because of it
NATO forces are sent by allied countries
What were the three main lessons America faced after the War in Korea?
1) There were limits to US power
2) Total victory is not always attainable or desirable, as it might have to come from total nuclear war
3) Containment is costly in money and bodies
War in Korea, first job of Commander Macarthur
Hold the Pusan perimeter is South Korea and reinforce with troops (many from Japan, underprepared) and Airstrikes
War in Korea, first American offensive
Flanking amphibious invasion of Seoul, allowed for breakout of Pusan perimeter and fight to liberate Seoul
Very successful, North Korean troops are in retreat
UN Mandate Korean War
To restore the original line on 38’ parallel
Why did we not follow the UN Mandate for the Korean War?
It was thought we had the opportunity to pursue a rollback of communism and take out North Korea
Describe the decision to attempt a rollback policy in the Korean War
Truman and MacArthur agrees on the premise that MacArthur says China won’t get involved
Emergence of Chinese involvement in the Korean War
Mao Zedong filters in men to the disbelief of MacArthur, eventually launch massive offensive against UN forces
Chosin Reservoir battle
Chinese desperately trying to overwhelm the drastically outnumbered UN troops
Attack at night with huge waves of assaults, UN just trying to maintain a perimeter in the freezing cold
Second communist invasion of South Korea
Seoul is taken over again, now engaged in a land war ion the asian continent with China
Chinese suffer 100,000s of casualties but have the bodies, they were planning on getting into the war
UN forces are pushed back south of Seoul
US Reaction to second communist invasion of South Korea.
Truman’s goal vs MacArthurs?
Truman asks for emergency war powers from Congress and NFC 68 type powers
Truman reverts back to containment but MacArthur still wants rollback and total victory over the asian continent
What were the war making powers given to Truman after the second communist invasion of South Korea?
1) Reintroduction of Selective Service
Draft is back
2) 50 billion defense budget
ceiling for NFC 68 but now we’re beginning with that
3) Sending more troops overseas
6 divisions to europe
defend against eastern european communist regime
assure NATO partners, guard against soviet threat
Dwight Eisenhower commands them
4) Double the number of air groups in US air force
5) US army goes from 1 million to 3.5 million
What were the two main questions for NATO allies as to reaction of second communist invasion of South Korea?
1) Should we try and go over the parallel again?
2) Should we try and use nuclear weapons?
Causes political disagreements in america
Second liberation of Seoul
Communist forces spend themself with staggering loses, US forces decide not to go past parallel besides a few key military locations.
Stalin offers truce, which Truman rejects
Why does Truman reject Stalins initial truce?
1) He fears that if the crisis goes away you’ll still have the problem and not have implemented nsc 58
2) Worried that Mccarthy guys are going to attack him for giving up victory in Korea
Truman and MacArthurs disagreement at the border after second liberation of Seoul
Truman orders MacArthur to halt at the perimeter, MacArthur advances and defies commander in chief
Truman has to fire MacArthur, who wants to have a presidential campaign after
What happens after MacArthur continues to advance past the 38’?
There is a bit of back and forth, eventually everyone realizes that rollback is not possible. MacArthur is succeeded by Matthew Ridgeway and starts to lose support.
Describe the last few years of war in Korea
War drags on for a couple more years at the MLR ‘Main Line of Resistance’. Americans are still drafted
What are the two main points of negotiation at the end of the Korean War?
1) Where is the border going to be? (Communists test how much we want to maintain the border)
2) Both sides want they’re POWs back (An issue cause some communists don’t want to go back)
Eisenhower’s run for office
Decides at the last minute to campaign, now premier military personality compared to MacArthur, gets a resounding victory and republicans get the White House back
Political changes in the Cold War at the beginning of Eisenhower administration
Stalin dies which results in lessening of Cold War tension, post stalinist political chaos
Eisenhower’s first public attitude towards the Korean War
Hints about escalating the war now that Stalin is dead, drives the communists to renegotiate
Korea after the Korean War
Two Koreas til this day; still a hostile situation
The Americans will continue to have a military presence in South Korea, their troops get way better as South Korea functions as a military regime for decades
North Korea does very well for a few decades until economic collapse, remains under Chinese influence
Four Major American Legacies of the Korean War
1) containment triumphs until Reagan
2) cold war is fought on the periphery, not between US, China, SU
Proxy wars are steam valves for tensions
Korea, Vietnam, Afganistán (70s,80s), Angola, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador
3) National Security State / Military Industrial complex is here to stay
NFC 68 solidifies it, wartime footing during peacetime
defense industry is major component of economy
4) US is going to make its own decisions in Cold War
If european powers had had their way the war would have been over earlier, they would have accepted armistice that stalin proposed
Characteristics of Eisenhower
Was apolitical publicly but private republican, opponent of new deal as a budget hawk
Earned a reputation as a hero due to command of Normandy invasion
“Dynamic conservative”
What does it mean that Eisenhower is a “dynamic conservative”?
Stays out of the way, no big taxes, not going to dismantle new deal
What were some domestic achievements of the Eisenhower administration?
Expansion of Social Security Benefits - threatens to leave his own party bc the other republicans don’t want it
Raising the minimum wage
Unemployment benefits
Cuts federal budget, cuts taxes
Reduces farm subsidies
Interstate highway act
Describe the Interstate highway act
Eisenhower was inspired by Hitlers autobahn and a US convoy to west coast where he experienced how poor the US road infrastructure was
41,000 miles of highway that changes the nature of this country (tourism, troop mobilization, growth of cities, growth of shops near roads)
Eisenhower and end of McCarthy
Eisenhower hated McCarthy for going after George Marshall, wanted to sabotage McCarthy
McCarthy accuses the army of being soft on Communism, led to Army-McCarthy hearings where McCarthy makes an ass of himself (still hadn’t seen any results from him) and is censured. He loses his influence
Eisenhower defense policy
“New Look”
A form of containment where we would abandon putting troops on the ground in favor of upping our nuclear, air, and sea power
Round the clock nuclear capable AirPower
We cannot afford economically, institutionally, and culturally to compete with communist world through ground forces
Wants to keep general peace and have dialogue with the soviets
State of the Cold War Eisenhower administration
U2 Plane pilot is captured by Soviets
Mao Zedong is starting “Great Leap Forward” which is horrifying
CIA is active shaping pro American government of Iran, doing work worldwide
Examples of Social Change during the Eisenhower administration
50s were a time of relative conformity, but:
Rebellion against Segregation
Prodigious post war economy, revolution of lifestyle and luxuries
Baby boomers shape culture
Television, Music, Movies see radical changes
Describe the civil rights movement during the Eisenhower administration and significant examples
Baseball is desegregated which leads to its golden age
Rosa Parks challenges bus segregation, her and Martin Luther King Jr. lead boycott of bus lines
Brown vs Board of education leads to Little Rock Nine
Brown vs Board of Education
Supreme Court case in which public schools were desegregated. Topeka Kansas
Little Rock Nine
Nine High school students after Brown vs Board of Education were blocked from joining a high school in Little Rock by white segregationists
Governor Orval Faubus called the national guard to prevent them from attending
Eisenhower ordered the guardsmen removed so a mob formed
In response to the mob Eisenhower sent in active duty 101st airborne soldiers
Faubus closed the schools down for a few years, but end result was enforcement of desegregation
Culture shift Eisenhower administration
Explosion of economy led to consumer and mass culture that eclipsed the 1920s, explosion of auto industry, advertising
Migration and homes Eisenhower administration
Sun belt continued to rise with migration to southwest and west
Millions of new homes are created, led to rise of suburbia “white flight”
Baby boomers
High birth rates post WWII led to the baby boomer generation
They defined culture until today:
In the 50s American culture was preoccupied with children
In the 60s America was defined by youth culture
In the 80s media was about people in their 30s
Now its about retirement centers, they are losing their influence and being consumed by time; ironic
Television during the Eisenhower administration
By end of decade 90% of Americans would get a television, created a communal experience that would shape culture
TV sitcoms overwhelmingly depicted a nuclear family in white suburbia
Movies during the Eisenhower administration
attendance decreased from 90 to 45 million weekly
Crisis among movie industry, drive in movies temporarily alleviate the problem
Movie stars were only seen in movies, only economic advantage
Music during the Eisenhower administration
Big band is leaving in favor of rock and roll
Dominates especially with baby boomers
Sexuality, huge stars like Elvis Presley
Rise of the Berlin Wall
Tensions had been building in Germany for a decade
East German leader Walter Ulbrich was a hardcore communist, believed that those fleeing East Germany for West Germany created an existential issue
Lobbied Khrushchev for building of wall
Setup and Logistics of Berlin Wall
Intel as to who would escape, guard towers, massive tunneling efforts especially while it was being built
Big win for western powers in terms of Cold War propaganda
End of Berlin Wall
Communism collapses in Eastern Europe, wall is torn down
Tension leading to Cuban Missile crisis
Had been significant American presence in Cuba for many years
Fidel Castro overthrows pro American government and allies himself with Soviet Union and Communism
Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy’s reaction
U2 overflights revealed the presence of missile sites in Cuba, soviet military personnel
Existential issue for US, Kennedy goes public with an ultimatum for soviets to get out (at the time no direct communication)
US blockade of Cuba begins (called quarantine) with US navy
Agreement at end of Cuban Missile Crisis
Eventually we agree to not invade Cuba and remove our nuclear missiles from Turkey
Continued soviet presence in Cuba, we continue assassination attempts against Castro
French legacy in Vietnam
French had come to the southeast as colonizers, began with jesuit missionaries
Over time locals don’t like missionaries, France sends in administrators, soldiers, explorers
Nationalism, self determination trend emerges;
WWII legacy in Vietnam
After being conquered by Germany France is hard pressed to control Vietnam
Had been occupied by the Japanese, who stripped rice crop and caused a famine
An insurgency against the Japanese began in the Viet Minh
OSS sends in personnel to help in WWII, which was the standard response
Viet Minh
Guerrilla warriors and Vietnam nationalists fighting against the Japanese
Lead by Ho Chi Minh
Would be in conflict for control of an Independent Vietnam post WWII
Ho Chi Minh
Leader of Viet Minh, traveled the western world
Wanted Independence for Vietnam, gravitates toward Soviet Union and Stalin for support after rest of world ignores him
FDR’s vision for Vietnam and agreement
Wanted to transition Vietnam to Independent country with Soviets, French doesn’t want this
Temporary agreement where Chiang Kai Shek and nationalists would occupy North Vietnam, British occupy South, the Japanese would be disarmed and removed
Ho Chi Minh / Viet Minh actions during Chinese and British occupation
Ho Chi Minh declares independence, begins killing off non communist nationalists and attempting to take control of South Vietnam
First Indochina war
Franco Viet Minh War
French come back to Vietnam in the wake of Ho Chi Minh’s declaration of independence, begin an 8 year conflict
Ho Chi Minh are aided by China
French are aided by USA, we pay for their war
French are eventually defeated in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu
Exit strategy for France first Indochina war
Great powers convene in Switzerland (china, US, Soviets, British, French, Viet Minh, Vietnam nationalists)
Decide to temporarily partition the country at 17’ parallel
Division of Vietnam, who leads each part, how is it supposed to end
North Vietnam goes to Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi
South Vietnam goes to Bao Dai in Saigon
There will be an internationally monitored election deciding whether to unify and under which government
What happens with the reunification election in Vietnam after the first Indochina War?
Never occurs, the United States make sure because Ho Chi Minh would certainly win without political opposition in the north
We can’t let communism spread
Two Vietnams solidify
Who succeeds Bao Dai? What is the significance?
Ngo Dinh Diem, prominent anti communist who the Americans hope will contain communism in Vietnam
Pressured to pursue democratic reforms but he never does, is repressive against his political opponents and operates a corrupt government
America at this point pays for 80% of the cost of running South Vietnams government and 98% of the cost of running their military
South Vietnam army
Army of Republic of Vietnam (ARVN)
What is the conflict for those wanting to overthrow Diem’s government? Who wins?
Ho Chi Minh wants to gradually wear the regime down over time without war and major conflict
The interventionists want to to take direct action and destroy Saigon government
The interventionists win
Who leads the interventionists?
Le Duan, creates the National Liberation Front (Viet Song)
What is the game plan for the Viet Cong?
Want to stoke and support insurgency in Saigon through the Ho Chi Minh Trail
Describe the early conflict between Diem’s government and Viet Cong.
China is pumping weaponry through to the South, Guerrilla style war.
US sends in more weapons and money, military advisors and personnel
Both sides are escalating
End of Diem’s government
Eventually US believe South Vietnam is failing in social reforms and war effort, sponsor coup
Diem is succeeded by series of generals who are politically ineffective
By Johnson’s presidency the situation gets worse with more opposition
Johnson’s decision with Vietnam
Has to decide whether to let Vietnam fall to communism or intervene with military forces
Johnsons background
Had come from poor family and elected to senate, becomes a key figure for his skill at making alliances and backroom deals, he was a guy who could make things happen
Johnsons goals as president
Wants to eliminate poverty, civil rights advocate. Doesn’t really want to deal with Vietnam but inherits the problem.
What kickstarts the second Indochina war? (What we know as the Vietnam War)
Two specific actions
It seems as though Saigon could collapse, so Johnson pours in even more American resources
Op plan 34a
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Op plan 34a
OP Plan 34a is a covert action, a series of coastal raids by South Vietnamese commandos and US special forces against north Vietnam in retaliation for escalating the war
Gulf of Tonkin incident
skirmish between north Vietnamese gunboats and US navy destroyer, displayed as attack out of blue by American public although it happens in the context of Op plan 34a
Johnson asks Congress to expand his warming powers, so they pass the Gulf of Tonkin resolution
Shouldn’t US destroyers be able to defend themselves? - tone for American public
1964 Election
Johnson posed as moderate cool head, seems like he’s taking the right course of action with Vietnam
Goldwater, his opponent, seemed more eager to send nukes and more socially conservative
Democrats won big in both houses of congress, Johnson has a lot of domestic power
Johnson’s redoubling in Vietnam
Begins airstrikes against portions of Vietnam, both China and US increase support for their side
Operation rolling thunder is a campaign to break the wills of the vent cong, stop infiltration on Ho Chi Minh trails, and force them to the negotiation table but it never happens
Why are American troops finally sent into Vietnam?
A lot of air assets on our side come from bases in South Vietnam like Danang
These bases are attacked by north Vietnamese troops, which creates momentum for our troops to be sent in
Escalation of ground involvement in vietnam
Requests made by General Westmoreland
Initially it was just 3500 to protect Danang and key US bases
Request for 40,000 more to defend Saigon
Request for 150,000 more with the idea of being necessary to protect South Vietnam from being overrun by communist forces
Eventually 300,000 troops are sent in with the goal of securing South Vietnam, which is initially successful in a big blow to North Vietnam
After Westmoreland secures South Vietnam, what happens? What is the nature of the conflict?
North Vietnam double down
Westmoreland envisions a series of offensives to destroy North Vietnam, take over from ARVN
-most NATO powers opposed
Search and Destroy offensives, where American troops would find Vietcong, force them into battle, and destroy with firepower.
War of attrition, not geography like earlier. Winning was measured in body count.
Why did Johnson decide to send in all those troops?
If he hadn’t, Indonesia might become communist with Vietnam, eventually all of Southeast Asia might have become communist
Air power could only do so much by its own
Describe the significance of the terrain of Vietnam
Uniquely suited for guerrilla warfare; tunneling, basecamps, negating air power
Describe some of the issues for ground troops when they got to Vietnam
Distrust with locals; tension and mistrust with not many willing to help imperialist seeming foreigners
Agent orange and uncomfortable actions by the US made it hard for them to embrace us and support us
Describe how the Search and Destroy offensive continues
Both sides escalating, neither side gets what they want
Stats make it seem like we have killed most of male population in Vietnam, morality and racial issues start. Many Americans die.
Beginning of anti war sentiment.
Describe the 3 components of the anti war movements
1) morally opposed - we dont need to be there, we are inflicting atrocities, we are in the wrong
2) pragmatically opposed - not in our interests and not worth it, other commitments, we wont be able to win
3) hawkishly opposed - we’re involved in a halfway limited war and aren’t letting them win, if we’re not letting them win lets get out
Tet offensive
Le Duan and allies go for broke, mass NVA troops in border areas and draw American forces away from population centers, infiltrate vietcong and elk into Saigon
Attempt to rise up and take control of Saigon government during Tet when there is supposed to be a ceasefire, hope the south Vietnamese will rise up with them
Fighting rages for months, costs half of vietcong troops and plunge Saigon into violence, all while American public was being told the communists were being destroyed
3 Legacies of the Tet offensive
vietcong lose most of their veteran guerillas, vc still exists but northerners and nva carry much of war
saigon government in vietnam was actually strengthened
no uprising, people support government
breaks the will of the american public to continue the war indefinitely, conversation is now about leaving the war
State of war at end of Johnsons term
Negotiations happen but are unsuccessful, Nixon inherits the war and attempts to end it, consensus now is to deescalate without abandonment
Majority of Americans who die die after the test offensive though
Nixons goal with Vietnam
Peace with honor, get out and avoid disaster
Nixons dialogue with North Vietnam after Tet offensive
Tet had damaged the north Vietnamese troops enough that face to face negotiations can occur
Nixon attempts the carrot and stick method and the madman theory
Carrot is leaving Vietnam, stick is more military action and firepower. He tried to make them think he was unstable and would attack at any time.
Nixons first significant military action
In response to Communists continued infiltration of Ho Chi Minh trail (against their promise, as evident by second tet offensive), he initiates secret bombing campaign of Cambodia
What was the result of the bombing campaign of Cambodia?
Someone leaks the news of the Cambodian bombing campaign, Nixon has to backpedal and creates the plumbers to plug the leaks
Second Tet offensive
Testing the will of new President Nixon, lead to retaliation by bombing of Cambodia
What led to the Cambodian Incursion?
Coup in Cambodia, Pro American general Lon Nol in power, restores relations with the USA and allows them to invade
What was the Cambodian Incursion? What was the immediate result?
Invasion of Cambodia, attack on well rooted North Vietnamese bases. North Vietnamese retreat deeper into Cambodia.
Communists pull from peace talks.
We inflicted damage on vietcong and cost them supplies but at the cost of destabilizing Cambodia and an explosion of anti war protests, Communists just waited it out.
Beginning of end of war from American standpoint
What is the long term result of the Cambodian Incursion?
Khmer Rouge come to power, lead a devastating bloodbath. Eventually communists come and take them out of power.
Describe the Khmer Rouge
Led by Pol Pot, want to take over Cambodia, depopulate cities, make Cambodia agrarian society
Massacre of My Lai
During tet offensive, 500 Vietnamese civilians killed by American infantry unit
End of Vietnam war
After Cambodian incursion Nixon removes half the troops from Vietnam. Eventually most of military forces are withdrawn and a peace agreement lets US pull out, truce between both sides
Wake of US withdrawal from Vietnam, Vietnam
Congress cuts aid to South Vietnam, communists are reinforcing and resupplying, both sides willfully ignore truce
NVA invades and overruns country, interventions are successful, Saigon is renamed Ho Chi Minh City
United Vietnam is a complete economic catastrophe, eventually they pursue relations with the USA again
Wake of US withdrawal from Vietnam, US
Veterans are hated when they came back
We spent 150 billion on a failed war.
Many Vietnamese immigrate to USA
Martin Luther King Jr.
Face of civil rights moment for the white person, eloquent advocator of nonviolence and end of second class citizenship
Freedom rides
Made of idealistic white and black students, rode buses into segregated southern states.
Happened in the television age and proved Kennedy to send federal marshals to protect the protestors
Green book
Book for African Americans telling them the places they could avoid and the places they could stay
What was the general theme for desegregation activism in the 60s
Provoke a federal response through nonviolent disobedience and bring awareness to their cause
James Meredith
Denied entry to University of Mississippi despite brown vs board of education
Again tactical campaign: he attempts to join, violence happens, federal marshals and soldiers come in
He does end up attending
Birmingham Alabama Campaign
Very segregated area, chosen by King and allies due to Eugene Bull Connor, segregationist commissioner prone to going overboard
Sit ins, peaceful demonstrations, protest marches lead to police violence (cattle prods and hoses)
Caught on the television, called in question of the law of the land, lead to national convergence and Kennedy administration began pushing for comprehensive desegregation Civil rights bill
Revival of Ku Klux Klan 60s
Reaction to civil rights movement, more violence
Civil Rights Bill Kennedy
Kennedy went on TV to advertise the Bill, mandating desegregation. Doesn’t go through Congress
Kennedy and Johnson disagreement Civil Rights bill
Johnson knows how to get the bill passed better, he says to wait until budget time and pressure the segregationists that way
Johnson as president, Civil Rights Bill, what did it do
Masterminds the task of getting the bill through the senate
1) outlaws segregation in all public accommodations
changes the mindset of separate races
2) gives the federal government new powers to combat black disenfranchisement
- sets up voting rights act
3) sets up eeoc equal employment opportunity commission
prevents job discrimination
also prohibits gender discrimination
sets up subsequent legislation
major federal power, very big deal, hardline stance
What was Johnson’s Great Society?
A war on poverty, 20-25% of Americans were below the poverty and Johnson wanted to create government programs to help that.
List the acts Johnson got passed
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Voting Rights act
Medical Care Act
Omnibus Housing Act
Immigration Act
Appalachian Regional development Act
Higher education act
NEH and NEA
Metropolitan development Act
Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Truth in packaging
Describe Elementary and Secondary Education Act
1 billion to American schools for libraries, textbooks, special education, infrastructure
What major event led to the Voting Rights Act?
Selma March called attention to thousands of African American disenfranchised voters
Describe the Voting Rights Act
Ends unfair literacy tests, poll taxes, voter intimidation, gives government right to register African American voters
Describe the Medical Care Act
2 basic elements
medicare is federally funded healthcare for the elderly
medicaid is for welfare recipients
comes from income tax
only grows in size and importance
Johnson really wanted single payer universal health care system
Describe the Omnibus Housing Act
federally funded housing
thing between republicans and democrats since fdrs day
8 billion for public housing
omnibus means big
johnson saying these people need it, opponents say it is consigning people to dead end lives in which they don’t own or care about their property
“the projects”
Describe the Immigration Act
national origins act put a quota on number of immigrants, says only a certain number of people can immigrate
this act ends discriminatory quotas
-people can come from anywhere if they come the right way
-still limits to number of people that can immigrate
new immigrants come from southern america, asia after vietnam war
Describe the Appalachian Regional development Act
attempt to eliminate poverty in appalachia
billion dollars for highways, health centers, and welfare (food stamps, monthly stipends)
near to johnsons heart as he grew up the same way
does not really eliminate poverty
Describe the Higher Education Act
650 million for college loans
grows from there
college is becoming more and more important to stabilize economic future, becomes real separator
number of people who were promising students but could not afford it
investment in the future
Describe the NEH and NEA
national endowment for humanities, national endowment for arts
saying the wpa was a great idea, making that sort of thing permanent
national science foundation is another one
things have merit for society that wouldn’t receive proper compensation on free market
creates beginning of npr and pbs
Describe the Metropolitan development Act
recognition that americas cities were starting to struggle
housing subsidies, welfare, mass transit funds
only goes towards model cities
-no segregation, building code standards, etc
-american cities want to participate so try and fix their cities
Describe the Motor Vehicle Safety Act
federal government sets standards for automobiles
seatbelts is best example, number of cars didn’t have any
car seats for children
engineers had to redesign cars and wouldn’t have elsewise
ralph nader - consumer advocacy is becoming a powerful phenomenon
Describe Truth in packaging
ralph nader again
the feds have more power over labeling and packaging of food, drugs, cosmetics
fda had established but its now in law
make sure its truthful
nutrition facts, ingredients, eventually tobacco industry
truth in advertising
cannot lie as an advertiser, although disingenuousness never goes away
Describe the significance of the Voting Rights Act for our political parties
Bit of political opportunism for democrats, African Americans became hardcore democrats and southern states became republican
Describe how the more militant side of the civil rights movement came to be
More urban, western areas (La, Detroit, Chicago) were not seeing much change from the Civil Rights Act
Led to race riots
Describe the emergence of race riots in the 60s
Watts riots in LA was a reaction to police brutality, 34 people lost their lives (mostly African Americans)
1 year after 40 American cities had race riots
Riots in Detroit left 43 people dead
By end of 60s almost every single city had had race riots
After MLKs assassination there were riots in 100 cities, felt like society was coming apart; even veterans of Vietnam were frightened
Describe the militant, parallel reform movement to MLK
Not necessarily seeking integration but separation
Led by Malcolm X and later Stokely Carmichael
There was still a consensus for black pride, power, and enfranchisement
Describe Malcolm X
diametrically opposed to king
king was southern christian, x was northerner from nebraska, his father had run afoul of ku klux klan
evades the draft in wwii, didn’t want to fight for a country that exploited african americans
gravitates towards boston, life of petty crime, goes to prison, converts to nation of islam
turns to a religious leader, committed muslim
advocates violence if needed, blacks stand up for themselves
sees king as spitting at the wind, says you need to take what you want
advocating militancy if need be
gunned down by nation of islam members, he was honest about corruption and wouldn’t shut up
Describe the American Indian movement
people lobbied johnson for inclusion in the great society
Moderates and radicals
some were more militant, like african american movement
Red power movement
-the first similar to black power movement
advocates for:
major federal compensation for taken land
better recognition of tribal autonomy and sovereignty
took over alcatraz
- wasn’t prison at the time
- symbol of reclaiming stolen land
predominantly young men
somewhat successful at bringing awareness
Describe the Hispanic American movement
Led by Cesar Chavez
Spoke for migrant farm workers, those of hispanic descent who were thought to be economically exploited by ranchers and growers
Chavez was similar to King, believed in nonviolence
More militant Brown Power movement also existed
Describe the Zoot suit riots
WWII ear riot in LA, zoot suits were baggy dress suits thought of as protest dress, white servicemen in navy and army clashed with Mexicans seen as draft dodgers
What did the hispanic American movement achieve?
Better labor practices, recognition that there has been segregation and discrimination
Describe how the feminist movement of the 60s was different than the early 20th century
Used to be about voting rights, now it was about economics and lifestyle
What drove the feminist movement of the 60s
Middle class white women who had access to education but wanted better opportunities (velvet prison)
Describe the more militant side of the feminist movement
burn bras, political lesbianism, pushing back against mens only clubs
Describe the battle of the sexes
how should men and women relate to each other?
What were some example of successful feminist changes?
used to require male cosigners for loans
nondiscrimination in hiring post civil rights act
access to professional education
gender integration in armed forces
Describe in general anti war doves
Most were young people, but the group that supported the Vietnam war the most was actually 18-29, the highest number against was over fifty who had experienced WWII or Korea
Describe some famous anti war doves
William Fulbright, Robert Kennedy, Benjamin Spock, Martin Luther King Jr, Students for democratic society
William Fulbright
fulbright
senator from arkansas
senate foreign affairs committee
came to believe that the administrations excuse for getting into vietnam was very deceptive
thought of himself as patriot but was very unpopular for some
bill clinton’s mentor
Robert Kennedy
becomes a moderate dove
take away deception in war effort, more effective diplomacy
runs for president, enraging lbj
they always hated each other, same party
Benjamin Spock
kinda like dr. oz, famous childrearing book
came out against the war big time
ideas were respected but reviled by some
Martin Luther King Jr (anti war)
pacifist, against any war
exploitive and immoral war where african americans were disproportionately affected
not very true in broader span of war
most who served by far were white
bold stand
many mainstream whites who had supported him didn’t like this
started to lose some influence for some people near the end of his life
Students for Democratic Society
war becomes their number one issue
thought of as pro labor earlier
protest rotc
unholy alliance between armed forces and their campus
indoctrination for sending young people to kill innocents
didn’t like military industrial complex
fall of 1967 had major demonstrations against dow chemical
manufactures of napalm
opposed nuclear family, wanted to foster love and creativity
Students for Democratic Society, Changes to education
protesting university practices of the time
university grading system
used to be professor could grade however they want
evaluation systems - right to vote that sds got for you
dress codes
suit and tie and dresses
coeducational dorms
New Left
old left was centered around labor issues, maybe socialists who believed capitalism had collapse
new left was interested in cultural and racial issues discussed today
the united states has serious problems
inherently racist, exploitive, discriminatory, violent whos flaws are playing out in vietnam in the killing of a different race
