Why did the Us get involved in the Vietnamese war Flashcards
Domino Theory
1945
Eisenhower
If Ho Chi Minh won the election then Vietnam would fall under communism causing countries like Cambodia, Lagos, Burma and Thailand.
McCarthyism
1950
McCarthy
Made allegations that 200 communists were working under the US so placed a campaign/witch hunting being accused could lead to being sacked
But in 1954 McCarthy was seen as a liar as he was asked to prove his accusations and had no evidence.
Gulf of Tonkin
August 3 1964 Maddox was sent out to the Gulf of Tonkin where the NV sent out three torpedo boats then sending fire shots downing one of the boats and damaging the others
4 august they believed that there were more boats and satellites confirmed but then later questioned if it was just bad weather never the less
7 August 1964 Johnson approved of the Gulf of Tonkin resolution approving any means necessary ‘protect’ Southeast Asia.
Operation 34A
August 1964
This involved sending mercenaries and Naval ships\ into NV to support SV
The involvement of the war was increasing
Geneva Agreement - Diem
1954 Geneva Agreement
Diem did not hold election in SV in 1956 breaking this.
Geneva Agreement
Vietnam would be divided at the 17th parallel
NV - Ho Chi Minh
SV - Ngo Dinh
Geneva Agreement Consequences
No everyone was happy
Ho Chi Minh felt as though Vietnam should be united into one under a communist Government,
Diem Felt the same although the US supported him in favour of Communist Ho Chi Minh
Jan 1955 US sent first shipment of military aid to SV.
National Liberation Front
Who: They wanted to get rid of catholic power - political organisation of SV
WHY; they were nationalists who wanted the land to be given back to the peasants HCM released that to do so they had to overthrow Diem and create a new administration that represented all social classes and religion
HOW: At first they would attack Diems government later started to fight the Army of the Republic of Vietnam(ARVN) the SV army.
Diem
Diem opposed all guidance from US
forced peasants of land and gave it to richer and wealthier families
introduced Tax
Anyone who opposed the election was arrested - 100,000 people had been sent to prison camps.
Buddhists
WHO; members of religion that spread to Vietnam in second century
WHY; Diem was catholic given preferential treatment to Catholics while most V were buddhists but Diem had anti laws like having Govs permission to carry acts if worship.
HOW; Organised; hunger strikes, mass rallies and invited foreign press ( mainly US ) to cover events
MOST WELL KNOWN ; was the self-immolation of monk Thich Quang Doc. burned himself alive while other monks handed out leaflets calling for Diems Gov to show compassion (11 June 1963)
