Read the handout, “What David Petraeus Can’t Teach Us About Gaza: It’s Not About Hearts and Minds” (1) What is nation-building? Hint: “Iraq required not just military victories but …” (2) What were the people of Vietnam loyal to? (3) Why was the outcome of the Vietnam War doomed from the beginning?

Where is Vietnam?

Longest and Most Unpopular War The Vietnam War was the longest and most unpopular war in American history. During the war:The Vietnam War was the longest and most unpopular war in American history. During the war: –58,000 Americans lost their lives. –304,000 were wounded. –75,000 were severely disabled. –The United States spent over $200 billion dollars on the war.

“French Indochina” Long history of foreign occupationLong history of foreign occupation

Why Did the United States Fight a War in Vietnam? Truman Doctrine (1947) – funding to France to prevent spread of CommunismTruman Doctrine (1947) – funding to France to prevent spread of Communism “to help free peoples to maintain their free institutions and their national integrity against … totalitarian regimes.”“to help free peoples to maintain their free institutions and their national integrity against … totalitarian regimes.”

“Cold War Thinking” - “Domino Theory” in Asia

Conflict Between France & Vietnam The Vietnam War grew out of the long conflict between France and Vietnam, ending in 1954 …The Vietnam War grew out of the long conflict between France and Vietnam, ending in 1954 … Geneva Accords …Geneva Accords …

Temporary division …Temporary division … Promised elections in 1956…Promised elections in 1956…

Another Important Cold War AllianceAnother Important Cold War Alliance SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) (1954) – Involves the countries of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Australia

The Communists supported the creation of a broad-based united front to help mobilize opposition to the government in South Vietnam.The Communists supported the creation of a broad-based united front to help mobilize opposition to the government in South Vietnam. Vietcong The National Liberation Front distributed land to the peasants.The National Liberation Front distributed land to the peasants. By 1973, the NLF held about half of S. Vietnam.By 1973, the NLF held about half of S. Vietnam.

Opposition to Diem The outcry against Diem's harsh and oppressive actions was immediate.The outcry against Diem's harsh and oppressive actions was immediate. –Buddhist monks and nuns were joined by students, business people, intellectuals, and peasants in opposition to Diem’s corrupt rule.

* Strategic Hamlet Program: - Epic Failure

Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964) Causes an escalation of the Vietnam WarCauses an escalation of the Vietnam War

The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution The Johnson administration used the August 4 attack to obtain a Congressional resolution, now known as the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, that gave the president “broad war powers.”The Johnson administration used the August 4 attack to obtain a Congressional resolution, now known as the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, that gave the president “broad war powers.”

Nature of Fighting & Tunnel Complexes The Vietnamese built large tunnel complexes such as the ones at Cu Chi near Saigon.The Vietnamese built large tunnel complexes such as the ones at Cu Chi near Saigon. Dense junglesDense jungles Blending in w/ civilian populationBlending in w/ civilian population Booby trapsBooby traps AmbushesAmbushes

“Operation Rolling Thunder” Strategic bombing campaign of N. Vietnam and eventually countryside of S. Vietnam.Strategic bombing campaign of N. Vietnam and eventually countryside of S. Vietnam.

“My Lai Massacre” Why is this an “American Atrocity?”Why is this an “American Atrocity?”

Major topics to consider in Untold History of the United States – End of the Vietnam War … [1] According to John Quincy Adams (our 6 th President), a nations should not go “… abroad, in search of monsters to destroy.”[1] According to John Quincy Adams (our 6 th President), a nations should not go “… abroad, in search of monsters to destroy.” [2] Kissinger: said to bomb “… anything that flies on anything that moves.”[2] Kissinger: said to bomb “… anything that flies on anything that moves.” [3] Does international law apply to the U.S.? – Nixon: said “When the president does it, that means it’s not illegal …[3] Does international law apply to the U.S.? – Nixon: said “When the president does it, that means it’s not illegal …

Ho Chi Minh Trail The trail was a network of trails, roads, paths, bridges, tunnels, and shelters. The trail provided supplies and soldiers from N. Vietnam.

The Tet Offensive January 30, 1968, North Vietnam and the NLF launched coordinated attacks against major southern cities.January 30, 1968, North Vietnam and the NLF launched coordinated attacks against major southern cities.

1968 Democratic Convention The police riot in Chicago during the 1968 Democratic National ConventionThe police riot in Chicago during the 1968 Democratic National Convention

1968 Presidential Election

Substance Abuse During Vietnam Marijuana and Heroin problems amongst soldiersMarijuana and Heroin problems amongst soldiers

Vietnamization Nixon's strategy to …Nixon's strategy to … [1] Bring American ground troops home, while …[1] Bring American ground troops home, while …And [2] Increasing air attacks[2] Increasing air attacks

Expansion to Laos & Cambodia In an attempt to rout Communist sanctuaries and supply routes, President Nixon expands the war into neighboring Laos and Cambodia, violating the international rights of these countries in secret campaigns.In an attempt to rout Communist sanctuaries and supply routes, President Nixon expands the war into neighboring Laos and Cambodia, violating the international rights of these countries in secret campaigns.

Anti-War Protests Protests erupted on college campuses and in major cities.Protests erupted on college campuses and in major cities. More than 700 colleges experienced protest activity.More than 700 colleges experienced protest activity.

Anti-War Protests – Nov., 1969

Kent State At Kent State in Ohio, four students were killed by National Guardsmen.At Kent State in Ohio, four students were killed by National Guardsmen. Jackson State "They are killing our babies in Vietnam and in our own backyard.""They are killing our babies in Vietnam and in our own backyard."

The Paris Peace Agreement On January 23, 1973, therefore, the final draft was initialed, ending open hostilities between the United States and North Vietnam.On January 23, 1973, therefore, the final draft was initialed, ending open hostilities between the United States and North Vietnam. Saigon continued to battle Communist forces.Saigon continued to battle Communist forces. Henry Kissinger & Le Duc Tho

The Fall of Saigon From March 1973 until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, the South Vietnamese army tried desperately to save the South from political and military collapse.From March 1973 until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, the South Vietnamese army tried desperately to save the South from political and military collapse. On the morning of April 30, 1975, Saigon falls.On the morning of April 30, 1975, Saigon falls.

Suffering of Vietnam