War in Vietnam Chapter 12, Lesson 4

The Conflict in Vietnam United States tried to stop spread of Communism What wars were fought to stop spread of Communism?

United States now worried that Communism is spreading to Vietnam Vietnam’s Past French Colony since the 1880s Split into N. Vietnam (communist) and S. Vietnam (non) 1960 Won independence from France in 1954 Group of Communists in S. Vietnam try to overthrow non-communist government

Communists in South Vietnam try to overthrow the non-communist government Sound familiar? Overthrow: to remove from power Who were they? Vietcong: Communists Fighters Supported by North Vietnam

U.S. Response At first  Sent advisors and supplies Sound familiar? 1965: US begin sending soldiers to fight

Fighting Increases North Vietnamese army joins the Vietcong President Lyndon B. Johnson sends more troops to help S. Vietnam US brings technology: tanks, bombers, helicopters Vietnamese/Vietcong use small group attacks

Technology does not always help Vietcong use jungle to hide and attack Fast-moving and small groups U.S. military bigger and more powerful…. Yet, Vietcong controlled most of S. Vietnam

The Antiwar Movement More fighting = more cost = more deaths = more money Television shows war and dangerous battles See bomb damage done to civilians American feelings grow strong Should the United States be sending troops to Vietnam?

Hawks v. Doves Hawks: For Vietnam War Doves: Against Vietnam War

Doves Hawks Should not interfere in war Men feared draft Antiwar marches and demonstrations Should interfere in war Must stop communism

Demonstration: a gathering of people who want to express their opinions to the public and to the government About 250,000 antiwar protesters lead demonstration at the United Nations in New York City in May 1967 Even some of Congress speaking out

Getting Out of Vietnam Richard Nixon becomes President in January 1969 Brings troops home from Vietnam U.S. planes increase bombing North Vietnam Bomb Cambodia, country west of S. Vietnam Communist fighting bases

1973: North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and United States sign cease-fire Cease-fire: an agreement to stop all fighting Once U.S. leaves… Communists attack again 1975 (2 years later): North Vietnam defeats South Vietnam

Effects Over 55,000 Americans died Lost battle to stop Communism Strong opinions still divide 1982: Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. built to recognize soldiers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1rUlS1w8RQ